{UAH} Otunnu faults Opposition over tribalism in Amuru by-election

Folks;

Here's the short of this story:  the other day, DP President Mao urged voters in Amuru to reject NRM candidate, Ms. Jane Okili, on the ground that she's an Itesot married in Amuru district, (Acholiland) and will therefore, not sincerely represent the interest of the electorate in Parliament.

There are a few issues at play here, some with legitimate social undercurrents.

1. Do we choose our leaders based on their tribes? In this matter, Mao has a definite YES. I'm not completely in disagreement, especially when the constituency is a rural one, like Amuru. In such a constituency, the dominant tribe is the native tribe. And so, one of our own makes us feel best represented!

2. The second issue here is the role inter-marriage plays in national affairs. Ms. Okili, being married in Acholiland, is being discriminated against on the basis of her native tribe. So, what informs this prejudice against this woman from another tribe?

Methinks I know why: Mao and his ilk ask that suppose after being elected, Ms. Okili's marriages falls apart, and she "returns" to her home? Then how does she continue to represent the electorate from Tesoland? Will Amuru then be without an MP?

Now, is this a legitimate concern for the voters, or an clever ploy by a frustrated party leader who wants to create fear on innocent voters?

Pojim

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Otunnu-faults-Opposition-over-tribalism-in-Amuru-by-election/-/688334/2525532/-/12ceaeez/-/index.html

Otunnu faults Opposition over tribalism in Amuru by-election

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UPC leader Olara Otunnu addresses Amuru District residents ahead of the November 20 by-election at the weekend. To his right is FDC's Mugisha Muntu and Dokolo Woman MP

Amuru- Uganda People's Congress party president Olara Otunnu has accused his fellow Interparty Coalition (IPC) members of using hate speech against NRM's Jane Frances Amongin Okili in the ongoing campaigns for the Amuru Woman Member of Parliament by-election slated for November 20.

Mr Otunnu's remarks follow widespread accusations that Ms Okili, being an Iteso, might not adequately represent Amuru residents when she goes to Parliament.

However, speaking to residents of Abana village, Lamogi Sub-county in Amuru District at the weekend, Dr Otunnu asked IPC party leaders to desist from tribal sentiments during their campaigns against the NRM candidate, arguing that Ms Okili is their own, though she is under another political party.

Have priorities
The UPC leader noted that residents should not look at Ms Okili as an individual but rather as someone promoting President Museveni's bad leadership, which the Opposition is fighting.

"Once one is married in Acholi, where she is married becomes her home and has a right to speak on any family matter. Ms Okili, being an Iteso and contesting where she is married, is not the matter. But the NRM party she is contesting under is the one that is questionable,"

At the onset of the campaigns, Democratic Party president Norbert Mao, with other politicians in the region, capitalised on Ms Okili's tribe, saying it does not put her in a better place to represent the people of Amuru.

"Ms Okili will not deliberate on the issues of Amuru people, but she will instead capitalise on promoting Mr Museveni's needs in the district," Mr Mao said.