Tensions Escalate in Obongi as Joyo Harriet’s Supporters Allegedly Clash with Rivals

By Okidi Patrick

The political landscape in Obongi district has been marred by violence following a clash between supporters of Independent candidate Joyo Harriet and those backing NRM flag bearer Hon. Zumura Maneno.

The altercation, which occurred on Thursday afternoon in Obongi Town Council, left a vehicle belonging to Dr. Alionzi, husband of Hon. Maneno, severely damaged.

This incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns regarding the increasing use of tribalism in the local electoral campaigns.

The confrontation unfolded shortly after the nomination ceremony for area MP Dr. Bhoka George Didi, where Hon. Maneno and her husband were present.

Eyewitnesses report that Joyo’s supporters ambushed the couple, resulting in the destruction of Dr. Alionzi’s vehicle and physical assaults on several individuals from Maneno’s camp.

“It was chaotic; they were yelling tribal slurs and attacking anyone they perceived as opposing them,” recounted a witness, who preferred to remain anonymous for safety reasons.

This violent outbreak is not an isolated incident.

Reports indicate that Joyo Harriet’s supporters have previously targeted Hon. Maneno’s backers, particularly those from Aliba subcounty, accusing them of voting for an “Aringa” candidate.

Such provocations have raised alarms that Joyo’s camp is exploiting ethnic divisions to galvanise votes against Maneno, a practice reminiscent of previous political manoeuvrings during the NRM primaries.

In July, Joyo Harriet faced significant backlash when her supporters were implicated in the serious assault of Mr. Michael Edward, the NRM registrar for Obongi Town Council, who was attacked after being accused of favouring Hon. Maneno.

This incident was reported to the local police, and investigations are ongoing.

Further complicating the situation, an attack in Palorinya subcounty left one supporter of Hon. Maneno with severe head injuries, necessitating costly medical treatment.

“We incurred over 7 million shillings for his operation,” stated Hon. Maneno, who also confirmed that the authorities are currently investigating these violent incidents. “We are relying on the police to handle the legalities and ensure justice is served.”

The tension between the two camps has been exacerbated by the politicisation of tribal identities.

District Chairperson Abibu Buga Awadi Kemis has been vocal about the divisive tactics employed by the Joyo camp.

“It is disheartening to witness our community being torn apart by such tribalistic rhetoric,” Kemis stated. “We should be promoting unity rather than division.”

Hon. Zumura Maneno, who recently secured the NRM flag from President Yoweri Museveni during his visit to Obongi, has consistently denounced the use of tribalism in elections.

She triumphed over Joyo in the NRM primaries, where Joyo was unable to substantiate claims of electoral malpractices before the tribunal.

Attempts to reach Joyo Harriet for comment were unsuccessful, as multiple calls to her phone went unanswered.

Observers are left to ponder the effects of this violence on the electoral process in Obongi, as the community grapples with the repercussions of a campaign marred by division and hostility.

As the police continue their investigations, the narrative surrounding the Obongi elections remains fraught with tension.

Analysts suggest that unless there is a concerted effort to quell the rise of tribalism in politics, the region risks descending further into chaos as the elections draw near.

The call for peace and unity in the face of divisive politics has never been more urgent.