Reply To: How Yoweri Museveni Cheated Elections

[Yoweri Museveni]

Police in the northern district of Apac have arrested Patrick Opio, the district information officer, on suspicion of bribing voters.

According to police, Opio bribed voters on behalf of the incumbent district chairman Bob Okae, who is seeking re-election.

Alfonse Ojangole, the district police commander, said on February 23 that Opio was caught red-handed giving out money to voters in Aornga village, Acwao parish in Nambeiso Sub-county.

He was persuading people to vote for Okae. The officer in charge of Apac Central police station, Kalifani Chemutai said Opio and others, still at large, were engaged in political activities on Monday, February 22 in Nambieso and Chegere Sub-counties where they were campaigning and offering money to voters.

It’s alleged that Opio had spent about Shs 10m in bribes prior to his arrest. He had been trailed.

Chemutai said Opio will be charged with voter bribery contrary to section 69 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (2001) and section 64 of the Presidential Elections Act (2005).

Bob Okae, who is battling a challenge from David Ebong Abongo of the NRM party, said the arrest was politically-motivated and plotted by his opponents.

Last month the district Chief Administrative Officer Sarafine Alia warned the district staff against engaging in open campaigns, an act that contravenes government standing orders.