Zombo candidates warn against vote-buying, dirty campaigns ahead of 2026 elections

Zombo: Candidates for Ora County, Okoro County, and the Zombo Woman MP seats have urged the Zombo Electoral Commission (EC) to act swiftly against what they called “open vote-buying, personal attacks, and poster destruction,” warning that such practices could compromise the fairness and peace of the upcoming 2026 general elections.

The demand came during a full-day campaign planning meeting held at the Paidha Cultural Center recently.

Independent Okoro County candidate Innocent Godfrey Onega praised the Electoral Commission but urged it to enforce fairness in the campaigns.

“Party politics is finished. No NRM, DP, UPC or FDC here. We are electing leaders, not parties. Give every candidate equal treatment and stop open vote-buying in the district,” Onega said.

Wedunga, the campaign manager for former Okoro MP Eng. Simon D’ujanga (Independent), added:

“Some politicians are openly paying for votes. The EC must stop this commercialization of politics.”

Fellow independent Sunday Omirambe criticized candidates who focus on insults instead of presenting manifestos:

“We have no hospital, our roads are bad, people are poor. But some candidates only abuse others. That means they have no plan. The EC must punish such behavior.”

Independent Topista Acamfua, contesting for Zombo Woman MP, called for peace and unity to curb the spread of fake news.

Monica Acan, speaking on behalf of incumbent Esther Afoyochan (NRM), urged the EC to crack down on abusive conduct that fuels division among supporters.

Candidates also reported heavy financial losses due to poster vandalism. On October 11, thugs reportedly burned posters belonging to Eng. Simon D’ujanga, Lawrence Songa Biyika (Ora), Vincent Orach Ocaya (Okoro), and Topista Acamfua at the Zombo Roundabout in broad daylight.

The candidates warned that unless the EC intervenes, Zombo’s 300,000-plus voters may not experience a free and fair election.

After the meeting, all candidates agreed to harmonize their activities in line with the official campaign roadmap, which begins on November 10, 2025.

Zombo Returning Officer Emmanuel Ogwang assured candidates of the Commission’s readiness to deliver peaceful and transparent elections.

“We are ready for peaceful polls. Candidates must behave well — your supporters copy you. The fish rots from the head,” Ogwang warned.

He added that police and other stakeholders will act against vote-buying, abusive language, and violence, and urged candidates to remain flexible as campaign guidelines may be adjusted in the coming days.

As candidates prepare to meet voters amid bad roads, poverty, and political divisions, the races in Zombo are expected to be tight. Strong independent candidates are challenging the ruling NRM, which has historically won over 70 percent of votes in the district.

Recent NRM primaries left the party deeply divided, giving momentum to candidates from DP, NUP, PFF, and independents. Still, NRM leaders insist the party will retain dominance in 2026.

Snapshot of Candidates

Zombo Woman MP

• Esther Afoyochan (NRM) – Incumbent; promoting President Museveni’s anti-poverty programs.
• Sarah Adong (DP) – Advocates for improved roads, jobs, and women’s empowerment.
• Topista Acamfua (Independent) – Calls for unity among women, youth, and families.
• Gladys Ngamita (Independent) – Focuses on teachers’ welfare and education development.
• Scholastic Uyullu (NUP) – Says it’s “time for change” after years of slow progress.

Okoro County

• Simon D’ujanga (Independent) – Former MP; promises electricity and effective leadership.
• Innocent Godfrey Onega (Independent) – Advocates for tarmac roads and upgrading Paidha to municipal status.
• Gabriel Okumu (NRM) – Incumbent; focuses on government programs, jobs, and infrastructure.
• Sunday Omirambe (Independent) – Unity, jobs, and better infrastructure.
• Vincent Orach Ocaya (Independent) – Promotes youth empowerment and inclusion.
• Winnifred Pacunega (Independent) – (Details not provided).

Ora County

• Lawrence Songa Biyika (Independent) – Incumbent; pledges to complete stalled roads, schools, and health projects.
• Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny (NRM) – Focuses on unity under the NRM manifesto.
• Collins Jakony (PFF) – Promises strong parliamentary links for development funds.

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