ARWOTNGO VILLAGE, OYAM DISTRICT – A campaign rally for the incumbent Woman Member of Parliament for Oyam District, Santa Alum Ogwang, was plunged into drama on Wednesday after a group of intoxicated youths attempted to disrupt the event.
The incident occurred in Arwotngo village (Oyam Atidi), Juma parish,Myene Sub-County, a location noted for being the home village of one of Alum's key challengers, Jane Francis Acilo. The venue was reportedly filled with a large, "slouchy," and unwelcoming crowd, leading campaign officials to suspect the disruption was pre-planned.
As the situation escalated and the youths grew rowdy, the Myene Gombola Internal Security Officer (GISO), Robert Nyango, was forced to intervene. Nyango directly addressed the group, urging them to maintain order.
"Nyango told those youth not to cause chaos because it was a campaign schedule for Alum Santa, much as the place is where Jane Francis Acilo comes from," a source confirmed.
Following the GISO’s intervention, the youths calmed down after more than 15 minutes and retreated to continue drinking.
In the aftermath, Simon Peter Oola, the Chairperson of Alum's campaign task force, expressed bewilderment at the hostility. "He wondered why the youth were rowdy," and emphasized that "Team Santa Alum Ogwang are peaceful and they will continue campaigning peacefully."
Oola used the opportunity to rally support for the incumbent, urging the people of Oyam to re-elect Alum to continue the "development which is coming." He listed her achievements, including grading over 30 roads using personal funds, purchasing two ambulances, and supporting churches—efforts he starkly contrasted with unfulfilled promises, stating, "they cannot replace with maize."
The incident underscores the rising political temperature in Oyam District. The electoral race is particularly charged as voters sympathize with Alum, who is currently battling a court case. Analysts suggest such incidents may reflect the intense rivalry and the high stakes involved as campaigns enter a critical phase.
