{UAH} PUBLIC ORDER BILL WILL COST OULANYHA HIS SEAT IN ACHOLI

Uganda: Acholi MPs Plot to Oust Oulanyah

BY ALEX OTTO, 29 AUGUST 2013

"This was supposed to be my last term serving as an MP, but Oulanyah's conduct is unbearable. That is why I am leaving Aruu to come and stand in Omoro where he comes from," Otto said.

Otto, who has already printed campaign posters for the constituency, said Oulanyah was a disgrace to Acholi. "He presided over the controversial approval of (Idah) Nantaba (as minister), abrogated the Constitution by stating that (Gen) Aronda can be minister, so next time if (President) Museveni makes all army men ministers, it will not be an issue," he added.

Otto said his bid had the backing of several Acholi politicians, including APG Chair Reagan Okumu and MPs Betty Aol (Gulu Woman) and Gilbert Olanya of Kilak County. Responding to Otto's call, Olanya emphasised that they would not back down from their stand.

"It is not personal that we want to oust him, but this is a national matter, all Acholi leaders in the region will have their attention focused on Omoro constituency, those who care for the dignity of Acholi and its future should support this plan to oust the president's puppet," Olanya added.

Olanya is also angry at Oulanyah's conduct in the recent passing of the Public Order Management bill.

"We asked Oulanyah to give us time to consult our people on the Public Order Management bill, but he ignored us and used his techniques and position to pass the controversial law," an angry Olanya added. "He made a drastic step of expelling (Ibrahim) Ssemujju Nganda, Odonga Otto and Theodore Ssekikubo."

There was no word from Oulanyah, who was in town for a fundraising function at Gulu Cathedral on Saturday. But when contacted yesterday, he declined to comment on what some might see as Otto pursuit of vengeance.

The MPs, who were also in Gulu at the time, avoided the function, for still unclear reasons. The MPs say they are aware that Oulanyah will not give up the fight easily and anticipate that he will get support from the NRM.

"We know they will use a lot of money and mercenaries. They may carry (money) in sacks like they usually do but we shall tell the people of Omoro not to change their mind because of the bribes," Olanya said.

Meanwhile, Otto said he had plans and the money to distribute some 15,000 T-shirts and 30,000 posters in the run up to the 2016 election campaigns.

Additional reporting by Deo Walusimbi

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Gwokto La'Kitgum

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