65 Komakech Taskforce Members Defect to Odonga Otto in Aruu County, Citing Lack of Focus.
BY ROBERT OWOT
PADER,UGANDA – November 28, 2025: A significant political shift has hit Aruu County as 65 taskforce members loyal to incumbent Member of Parliament Hon.Christopher Komakech have publicly defected to the camp of his challenger, former MP Dr.H9n Odonga Samuel Otto.
The mass defection, which occurred just two weeks after Dr. Otto launched his campaign to reclaim the parliamentary seat, marks a major boost for the former legislator and a potential blow to the sitting MP’s support base in critical areas.
The defectors hail primarily from areas previously considered strongholds for Komakech, including Puranga Town Council, Lunyiri, and Awere Sub-Counties. Of the group, 37 members came from Puranga Town Council, while 28 others were supporters from Bolo Agweng Village in Awere Sub-County.
Speaking during the defection event, Ms. Ayaa Concy, a former member of Komakech’s taskforce, explained the group’s decision, stating that Aruu County urgently requires a different kind of leadership.
“Aruu County now needs a leader like Hon.Dr. Odonga Samuel Otto in the 12th Parliament of Uganda. He is someone capable of championing development and providing focused, committed representation,” Concy asserted.
The incumbent’s leadership faced sharp criticism from Mr. Okello Tom Richard, 65, the former vice chairperson of Komakech’s taskforce in Bolo Dam Village, Lunyiri Sub-County. Richard accused the incumbent of running a leadership model that benefits “only a small circle of individuals close to him.”
Richard further alleged that MP Komakech has lost focus, is running a campaign without a clear agenda, and is resorting to “abusive languages” while failing to account for his five years in office or outline a solid plan to improve the lives of the local community.
Otto Welcomes Defectors, Outlines 2026 Agenda
Dr. Odonga Otto’s campaign manager, Mr. Odong Moses, welcomed the new members and urged them to promote peace, unity, and love as they mobilize support for the former legislator.
Moses subsequently accused the incumbent’s camp of spreading political hatred, fueling divisions among voters, and engaging in personal attacks instead of presenting a constructive development plan for Aruu County.
Dr. Odonga Otto formally assured the new converts that his campaign is centered on restoring accountable, transparent, and people-centered leadership in Aruu County. He then outlined his five key priorities as he seeks a mandate to return to the Uganda Parliament in 2026:
Pursuing the Acholi compensation process.
Fighting corruption in Pader district.
Ensuring the return of more than 11,000 LRA fighters still stuck in DR Congo.
Lobbying for government programs to reach the grassroots communities.
Protecting Acholi Land.
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