Tension flared during the hotly contested National Resistance Movement (NRM) party structure elections in Tororo District after the Member of Parliament for West Budama South, Dr. Emmanuel Otiam Otaala, allegedly attempted to strangle the district registrar in a fit of rage following his defeat.
The dramatic incident occurred at Rock View Primary School, the official polling venue, moments after Otaala lost the race for General Secretary to Richard Owere Machika, an aspirant from West Budama North East.
According to the eyewitnesses, Otaala visibly agitated lunged at District Registrar Joseph Kadokech, something that sparked panic and temporary halting of electoral process.
Security personnel swiftly intervened, preventing what some described as a near-death scenario.
The scuffle drew widespread condemnation from party delegates who decried the MP's behavior as disgraceful and detrimental to the party's image.
“This was an uncalled-for situation by the MP. If he was not satisfied with the results, he should have taken legal action rather than embarrassing himself and the party,” said Kirum Mawele, Tororo NRM administrator.
Despite the chaos, voting resumed under heavy security presence.
Delegates from across Tororo District had earlier been ferried in trucks and subjected to strict security checks before accessing the premises. Voting, which was delayed, eventually commenced at 1pm and concluded with several high-profile victories for influential party figures.
Municipality MP Apollo Yeri Ofwono retained his position as District Chairperson, while Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth clinched the role of Secretary for Finance.
Former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo was elected unopposed Secretary for Publicity (Elderly), and Sanjay Tanna, a former MP for Tororo Municipality, secured the Secretary General position for the Entrepreneurs League.
“This gives me a chance to vie for the national chair of the Entrepreneurs League, which is elected by all league leaders countrywide,” said Tanna, expressing optimism about his political comeback.
However, the spotlight remained on MP Otaala’s conduct. His latest outburst has rekindled memories of previous incidents, including an alleged attempt to shoot someone during a past electoral dispute and a recent altercation at a police station near his home.
“He has a history of violent reactions when elections don’t go his way. This may very well be the final blow to his political career in the district,” said Onyango Emokol, an aspirant for West Budama South.
As the dust settles, many within the party are calling for disciplinary action against the legislator, citing the need to uphold the integrity and discipline of the NRM.
The elections, though marred by the incident, highlighted internal competition within the party as it reorganizes its grassroots structures ahead of national polls.