Top Story: NRM Registrar Arrested for Alleged Vote Rigging in Kitgum Primaries
Kitgum, Uganda – August 18, 2025
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) registrar for Manwoko village in Kitgum District has been arrested over allegations of vote rigging during the party’s recent local council primaries.
Charles Ouma is at the center of a scandal after being accused of manipulating vote tallies in favor of a candidate contesting the Labongo Amida sub-county chairperson seat. His actions came under scrutiny following the emergence of a viral video showing him skipping vote numbers during the counting process—jumping from ballot No. 39 to 60 while tallying votes for incumbent Geoffrey Komakech Alulu.
Aswa Regional Police spokesperson Joe Oloya confirmed the arrest, noting that the video evidence prompted swift action from officers attached to the electoral desk at Kitgum Central Police Station. Ouma is currently facing preliminary charges of forgery and uttering false documents.
Despite the alleged tampering, final certified results released by Kitgum District NRM election officer Simon Owacgiu indicated a different outcome. Owacgiu, who was also a candidate, emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the Labongo Amida sub-county chairperson race with 719 votes (44.1%). He defeated Moses Odokonyero, who secured 497 votes (30.5%), and the incumbent Alulu, who garnered 413 votes (25.4%).
The NRM has not yet issued an official statement regarding Ouma’s arrest or the potential implications for internal electoral processes.
