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Courtesy image By Dramadri FederickArua City The commercialization of campaign activities in Arua District has intensified dramatically during the ongoing race within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party for its flag in various elective positions. This
Courtesy image
By Dramadri Federick
Arua City
The commercialization of campaign activities in Arua District has intensified dramatically during the ongoing race within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party for its flag in various elective positions.
This escalating trend has been further worsened by the suspension of joint campaign activities ordered by the party secretariat, leaving individual candidates to fund their campaigns independently.
The rising costs and the influence of money in these elections have raised concerns about the fairness and integrity of the process.
A preliminary survey conducted by Radio Pacis reveals that, within just two weeks after NRM’s official nominations concluded, the least amount spent by a candidate running for the District Chairperson position was approximately 120 million shillings.
Candidates vying for parliamentary seats specifically, Member of Parliament (MP) and Woman Member of Parliament have reported spending at least 200 million shillings each.
These substantial sums have been allocated toward transportation for candidates and their agents, hiring public address systems, and, alarmingly, voter bribery.
The large financial outlays signify how deeply money has infiltrated the electoral process, undermining the principles of fair competition.
Counsel Aniku Joseph Andati, a prominent contender for the NRM parliamentary ticket in Arua District, expressed concerns about the skewed advantage that financial resources give to incumbents.
He disclosed that his campaign budget was initially 300 million shillings. “I’ve spent a significant amount, and I’ve even lost track,” Andati explained. “At this point, I believe I need an additional 150 million shillings to cover the remaining campaign period. It’s draining me financially and even forcing me to dip into the capital of my business.” Such statements highlight how the financial burden of campaigns is impairing ordinary candidates and distorting the democratic process.
The NRM primary elections are scheduled for July 17, 2025, and the mounting financial pressures have added a new layer of difficulty to the campaigns.
Jina Sitaraya, another contender for the Woman Member of Parliament flag within Arua District, voiced her frustrations, stating that campaigns are no longer issue based but are primarily driven by money.
“Incumbents pouring vast amounts of money into their campaigns make it difficult for others like me to compete fairly,” she lamented. “I have spent over 200 to 300 million shillings, and towards the end of my campaign, I am beginning to feel the financial strain.”
Her remarks underscore how the escalating costs are depleting personal and family resources, making it increasingly challenging for less well-funded candidates to sustain their campaigns.
Similarly, Alfred Okuonzi, the District Chairman seeking re-election, highlighted the detrimental effects of the financial-driven campaign environment. “Some candidates have sold all their assets to finance their campaigns,” he stated. “For me, it’s a struggle because I face several opponents with deep pockets, which puts me at a disadvantage.”
Legally, the influence of money in elections is addressed under Section 64 of the Presidential Elections Act, which considers offering money, gifts, or other considerations to voters as an offence of bribery.
Convicted offenders are liable to a fine not exceeding seventy-two currency points (approximately 1,440,000 Uganda Shillings), imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Currently, Arua District comprises only one constituency. However, it is witnessing intense electoral competition, with eight candidates vying for the NRM parliamentary flag.
Additionally, six candidates are contesting for the District Chairperson seat, and three are competing for the Woman Member of Parliament position.
The high number of contestants and the significant amounts of money involved underscore the growing influence of financial resources on local politics, raising concerns about transparency, fairness, and the future integrity of the electoral process in the district.
The Center for Policy Analysis noted that it is important for Uganda to find solutions to the commercialization of its political space. Failure to do so could undermine the fundamental principles of democracy, including the conduct of free, fair, and issue-based elections.