Heavy security deployment has surrounded the Itek Sub-county headquarters in Lira District as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepares to conduct a much-anticipated and repeatedly postponed election for its district chairperson.
The high-stakes race pits incumbent Lira District Woman MP Linda Agnes Auma against veteran party stalwart and former Minister of State for Housing, Sam Engola.
Both figures wield significant grassroots influence, and their rivalry has deeply divided party structures in the area.
The vote, initially scheduled for May 23 and again on May 27, was twice called off following scenes of unrest.
On both occasions, supporters of Engola stormed the venue, chanting “No vote! No vote!” and alleging unfair treatment, including claims that his delegates had been blocked from participating and that a pre-agreed ban on yellow party attire—a symbol of factional allegiance—had been breached.
Security operatives from the Uganda Police Force and other agencies have now cordoned off the area in a bid to prevent further disruption.
Party officials, many of whom declined to speak on record, say the election will proceed today “with or without consensus” between the rival camps.
Auma, who enjoys support among a bloc of youth and women delegates, has accused Engola of attempting to hijack the process through intimidation and manipulation of local party registers.
Engola, on the other hand, maintains that the elections have been skewed in Auma’s favour, citing irregularities in delegate accreditation and the alleged use of government vehicles to ferry her supporters.
Today’s poll outcome will likely influence local dynamics ahead of the 2026 general elections, especially in northern Uganda, where both figures are seen as key mobilisers for the NRM.
This is a developing story.