With just days remaining before the National Resistance Movement (NRM) holds its primaries for the district chairperson flag in Tororo, all seven contenders have stepped up their campaigns in a final push to win over voters.
The race has grown increasingly intense, marked by financial and logistical challenges that threaten to shape the outcome.
Despite the hurdles, candidates remain confident ahead of Thursday's highly anticipated vote.
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Incumbent district chairperson John Okea, who is seeking re-election, has been running his campaign operations from his office, where he is coordinating logistics and issuing appointment letters to polling agents.
Tororo District comprises 1,337 villages, and with each candidate required to deploy two agents per village, the cost of participation has become a major factor.
"I have to pay two agents per village. When you calculate, it takes over 50 million shillings just to cater for agents at all polling stations," Okea said.
Fellow aspirant John Obbo echoed the financial strain, pointing to the increasing monetization of grassroots politics. He noted that poverty among the electorate is playing a key role in voter expectations.
"The issue of money has become the top priority if you're to go through. Most people say, 'we want to see you, we have never seen you.' This tells you the level of poverty," Obbo remarked.
Aside from the economic pressures, some candidates have voiced concerns over logistical arrangements, particularly the existence of two separate party offices in the district--both reportedly expected to oversee election coordination.
Aspirants fear this could lead to confusion and disorganisation reminiscent of the recent primaries, where the tallying process for the district Woman MP flagbearer was marred by delays and controversy.
Candidates including Obbo Wandera and John Mike Oluka have urged the party to streamline operations and ensure clarity ahead of voting day.
Despite the uncertainty, the seven candidates--including the incumbent--are pressing ahead with optimism, each hoping to secure the NRM flag as party members prepare to cast their votes on Thursday.
