The National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Oyam North are on spot for circulating fake notes of shs 1000 while canvassing support for their candidate Samuel Engola Okello, who is seeking to replace his father as area Member of Parliament.
The seat fell vacant following the murder of State Minister Charles Engola who was shot by his bodyguard Pte Wilson Sabiiti in Kampala a few months ago.
Latest reports indicate that the locals of Otwal Sub-county in Oyam on Tuesday expressed dismay after learning that the money given to them was counterfeit.
The locals singled out two individuals, Phillips Ogile Jakayo the LC3 of Abok Stalon Olong a prominent NRM businessman who led the operation of circulating the fake cash.
Whereas this website couldn’t get a comment from Engola’s campaign team, his opponents from UPC and FDC have raised concern saying the action could end up hurting the economy which already requires a ‘surgical operation.’
Fred Ebil, the UPC Secretary General appealed to the NRM camp to desist from distributing the counterfeit money saying it is not a good gesture because all candidates should have a levelled ground for competition.
“Fake money will distort our economy especially here in Oyam, we should therefore remain sober and have peaceful campaigns,” he said.
Engola’s camp is further accused of propagating violence after the same individuals clobbered a radio journalist Simon Peter Oceng on Tuesday night.
The incident happened at Shine FM after NRM candidate Engola completed his radio talk show and the journalist immediately played a campaign song for his opponent Dr Eunice Apio Otuku, a UPC candidate. Reports say, the Eunice paid for the song as an advert.
The journalist was rushed to a hospital in Oyam for medical attention.
UPC Secretary General Ebil condemned the act.
“I condemn the violence exhibited so far on the journalist of shine Fm in Oyam Town council by the team of the candidate Engola Samuel Okello Jr. This is unacceptable and the NRM Party must reign on the perpetrators of this heinous act.”