SERERE IN TURMOIL! Kasilo County NRM Primaries Turn Ugly Over Deputy CDF Involvement, Bloodshed Looms
The political temperature in Kasilo County, Serere District, has risen sharply following the declaration of Emaju Peter Paul, widely known by his acronym, EPP, as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer.
Emaju was declared the winner by District Registrar William Olir after securing 9,420 votes (65.5%) against Edonu Moses, who garnered 4,951 votes (34.5%).
However, the aftermath of this announcement has been anything but calm. Edonu has since filed a petition alleging electoral malpractice, which has led to the arrest and arraignment of the District Registrar himself.
But who is fueling the tension in Kasilo?
Redpepper intelligence unit engaged with residents and key stakeholders on the ground to understand the source of the unrest.
A growing number of voices point to General Samuel Okiding, the current Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), as the main force backing Edonu Moses.
Sources allege that the General has supported Edonu since 2021, support that failed to secure a win in Edonu’s previous challenge against then-incumbent Elijah Okupa.
In 2012 riding on NRM flag Edonu came third.
Emaju’s vote tally of 9,420 in NRM primaries is higher than what incumbent Okuppa got in 2021 polls-6,415. There are hopes that Okuppa’s political dominance in Serere can now be ended with emergency Emaju something that has not settled well with the like of Edonu and Gen.Okiding.
The emergence of Emaju Peter Paul, a seasoned banker, into the 2025 NRM primaries dramatically shifted the political dynamics in Kasilo.
For the first time, the county’s two dominant blocs, Bugondo and Kadungulu, fielded strong contenders. Emaju, hailing from Kadungulu Sub-County, brought new energy to a race historically tilted in Bugondo’s favor.
Reports suggest that General Okiding, himself a resident of Bugondo, had invested in local infrastructure, such as the construction of churches as a strategy to build support for Edonu.
However, following Emaju’s landslide victory, it is alleged that the General shifted gears and is now heavily involved in shaping the post-election narrative.
Multiple sources allege that General Okiding is influencing ongoing investigations and orchestrating a series of arrests aimed at intimidating Emaju’s supporters and coercing confessions to fabricate grounds for nullifying the election results.
Those arrested include William Olir, the District Registrar, and the LCIII Chairperson of Kadungulu Sub-County, both accused of alleged electoral fraud.
Community members argue these arrests are politically motivated and designed to cast doubt on Emaju’s resounding victory.One especially alarming case is that of Eluru, a former army officer and current LCIII Chairperson for Kadungulu Sub-County.
He was reportedly transferred from Serere Police to a military facility in Moroto over allegations of illegally possessing a firearm, claims the local community views with deep suspicion.
His home was searched under circumstances described as dubious, with the involvement of a 3rd Division Intelligence Officer further raising red flags.
It is alleged that Eluru is being held to extract a confession implicating Emaju, part of what residents fear is a broader plot to undermine the electoral outcome.
Initially, security attention in Serere District seemed focused on disputes surrounding the Pingire and Women MP races.
The sudden shift in focus to Kasilo County has sparked concerns over the underlying motives of those expanding the scope of investigations.
Among those reportedly being targeted for military arrests are the Sub-County Registrars of Kadungulu Town Council, Kadungulu Sub-County, and Kagwara namely Edwonu, Agwaru, and Dominic, as well as civilians including Eotu, Edeu, and Ogwang.
Locals fear the military is being used to pressure these individuals into signing statements that discredit the elections and bolster the petition against Emaju.
The overt military presence before, during, and after the primaries has instilled fear throughout Kasilo County. Many believe that General Okiding, rumored to be eyeing a political seat in 2031 is attempting to control the political landscape now to smooth his future path.
Residents assert that Eluru’s only “crime” was supporting Emaju Peter Paul, and that other officials are being targeted simply for upholding the will of the people who overwhelmingly voted for their son.
In light of the escalating situation, the people of Kasilo are calling upon General Muhoozi, the Chief of Defence Forces, President Yoweri Museveni, and the national leadership of the NRM to intervene.
They are demanding an independent and impartial investigation into recent events and are urging that General Okiding be barred from further political interference in the region.
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