By Eye Media Political Desk | Kampala May 27, 2025
What should have been a routine party election turned into a political spectacle on Friday after West Budama South MP, Dr. Emmanuel Otaala, physically attacked the NRM district registrar following his humiliating defeat in the ruling party’s internal elections.
The scene, which unfolded at Rock View School grounds in Tororo, sent shockwaves through the NRM camp as voters and security officers were forced to intervene when the visibly furious legislator attempted to strangle the district registrar, Joseph Kadokech.
Otaala, who was vying for the position of General Secretary, was crushed in the ballot—garnering a mere 154 votes against Richard Owere Machika’s commanding 802 votes.
Sources at the scene told Eye Media that after the results were announced, Otaala confronted Kadokech, accusing him of orchestrating electoral fraud. He then lunged at the registrar, grabbing him by the collar before being forcibly separated by police officers and angry voters.
“It was madness. The man just snapped,” said a party official who witnessed the chaos. “We were shocked. That’s not how a leader should behave.”
Crowd Turns on MP
The dramatic showdown nearly turned bloody as sections of the crowd turned on the MP, accusing him of using intimidation and violence to subvert the democratic process.
Police and UPDF officers had to be swiftly deployed to secure the venue and prevent further breakdown of order. Several individuals were also restrained while attempting to force their way into the voting area, claiming their names had been unfairly omitted from the voter register.
Despite the fracas, elections resumed under tight security and concluded without further incident.
The day was not without its victors. Incumbent NRM district chairperson Yeri Apollo Ofwono comfortably retained his seat. Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth was elected Secretary for Finance, solidifying his grip on local party structures.
In another surprise outcome, Phibby Otaala Awere, Uganda’s former Ambassador to Kenya and wife to the embattled MP, was elected District Vice Chairperson. Meanwhile, veteran government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo took home the Publicity Secretary slot for the Older Persons League.
After his re-election, Yeri Ofwono urged for calm and unity ahead of the 2026 general elections. “We need to rise above personal grievances and focus on the bigger picture—serving the people and strengthening the party,” he said.
As of press time, Dr. Otaala had not issued a public apology for his actions, raising further questions about his political future and possible disciplinary
