By Okidi Patrick
OBONGI — South Sudanese refugees living in Uganda have commended President Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for strengthening democracy and granting them the right to vote for their own leaders.
The displaced nationals expressed their gratitude during the newly concluded Refugee Welfare Committee (RWC) elections held across Obongi District. The district currently shelters over 142,000 refugees spread across five resettlement zones.
Base Camp Wrangles Settled
The democratic exercise briefly stalled in the Base Camp Zone, where polling was suspended due to a bitter leadership dispute between Jimmy Marsuk and Arison Christopher. Both candidates were vying for the influential seat of Chairperson for Refugee Welfare Committee 2 (RWC2).
The Office of the Obongi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) intervened to mediate the conflict. Following successful arbitration by the RDC’s office, the grievances were resolved, allowing the electoral process to safely resume.
Landslide Victory
Once voting commenced, incumbent chairperson Jimmy Marsuk secured a commanding landslide victory to retain his seat. Marsuk garnered 64 votes, comfortably defeating his sole rival, Arison Christopher, who managed only six votes.
The high-stakes election was jointly supervised by senior government and humanitarian officials, including:
- Pauline Abina: Refugee Desk Officer.
- Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka: Obongi Resident District Commissioner.
- Moru Mercy Vincent: Newly appointed Obongi District Vice Chairperson.
- Robert Andoeye: OPM Settlement Commandant for Palorinya Refugee Settlement.
Marsuk’s victory consolidates his political standing in the settlement, having recently been voted into the elite tier of five RWC1 Chairpersons representing the wider 142,000-strong refugee community.
Joyous Celebrations
Following the declaration of results, ecstatic supporters decorated Marsuk with flowers and a symbolic bridal net.
The refugees marched through the settlement chanting praises for President Museveni. Many openly noted that while war and political instability had denied them the opportunity to vote in South Sudan, Uganda’s progressive policies had restored their democratic dignity.
In his acceptance speech the newly reelected Chairperson base camp Jimmy Marsuk thanked the office of RDC Obongi for intervening in their wrangles and facilitating them to vote.
The refugee desk officer Paulne Abina appealed to the refugees to remain United and avoid fighting each other.
Abina advised the newly elected leaders to serve above self.
The RDC Obongi Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka warned refugees who involve themselves in illegal activities like using guns to cause insecurity to stop it.
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