By Okidi Patrick
OBONGI, UGANDA– In Obongi district, refugees have formally petitioned the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office, seeking intervention regarding what they characterize as rigging of their elections. The situation arose when refugees from the base camp zone were barred from voting for members of their refugee welfare committee at the parish level.
Frustrated by the decision to suspend the elections, refugees gathered outside the Office of the Prime Minister at the Palorinya refugee settlement, demanding clarification on the abrupt halt to the electoral process in their zone. The situation escalated, prompting a response from the Obongi district security committee, which included RDC Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, Deputy RDC Paul Abaho, and DISO Pafa Aldrine Jethro. They convened urgently in Palorinya to address the growing unrest.
During the emergency meeting, settlement commandant Robert Andoeye explained that the elections had been suspended due to security concerns stemming from allegations exchanged between two candidates for the refugee welfare committee—Jimmy Marsuk and Arison Christopher. Allegations included accusations that one candidate possessed an illegal firearm, prompting fears of potential violence.
To restore order, the security committee engaged the refugee voters from the base camp. RDC Hashaka and DRDC Abaho urged the refugees to maintain unity and refrain from conflict during their challenging circumstances. Following discussions led by Andoeye, it was resolved that all refugees would be granted the opportunity to participate in the voting process.
Expressing gratitude, the refugees thanked the Obongi RDC’s office for their swift intervention and professional handling of the situation, resulting in their eventual right to vote.
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