TENSIONS RISE AMID THREATS IN AYIVU EAST CAMPAIGNS

By Dramadri Federick
Arua City

The campaigns in Ayivu East Constituency have become intense and contentious, with rising tensions and serious accusations between two factions within the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The political battle has taken a darker turn, with threats and warnings adding increasing strain to the race.

A video circulating on social media, posted by OPINGOPI on the platform X, shows three individuals apparently discussing plans to attack Hon. Feta Geoffrey. In the footage, Emmanuel Meta Loro, identified as Bakoko Bakoru Zoe’s son, is heard saying, “I can beat Feta; he will know that I am Bakoko’s son and a lawyer.” This statement raised concerns about the safety of the candidates and the integrity of the campaign.

In response, Feta Geoffrey, the sitting Member of Parliament for Ayivu East, said he has reported the threats and acts of violence to the NRM Secretariat and security agencies. He explained that he has also instructed his legal team to investigate the situation.

Feta added that during a recent campaign visit to Muni NTC, the atmosphere was highly charged and hostile. “When we went to Muni NTC for joint campaigns, we found the crowd very hostile, shouting insults and abusing everyone.

The same group that attacked us there was seen being transported in a lorry, allegedly by Sister Bakoko. Later that day, we received a video in which Bakoko’s son, Meta Loro, called for an attack on me and bragged about beating me. I have petitioned the NRM Electoral Commission in Arua, copied the NRM Secretariat, the legal team, and security agencies, and I’ve instructed my lawyers to pursue the matter.”

On the other hand, Bakoko Bakoru Zoe claims she was the first to receive threats and remains unfazed by warnings or summons from Feta’s supporters.
She responded, “He can go ahead and file cases if he wants. If we wanted to press charges, we would have started long ago. I don’t understand why he’s attacking me. I have no issues with other candidates; only Feta is causing trouble. He often gets drunk, and his supporters cause chaos—these are the people he associates with. I have no quarrel with him. He has slandered my name, accused me of trying to steal Barifa. Why is he so worried about me?”

To help regulate the conduct of campaigns, the NRM Electoral Commission has issued a comprehensive five-page guideline.

This document emphasizes that disrespect, hate speech, incitement to violence, and physical assaults are serious offenses. Offenders may face warnings, disciplinary hearings, or disqualification if they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Currently, five candidates are vying for the NRM parliamentary flag in Ayivu East: Bakoko Bakoru Zoe, Feta Geoffrey, Anguyo Musa, Tiyo Taylor Odaa, and Nyakuezaibo Ezra.

The tensions and accusations highlight the importance of maintaining peace and following electoral guidelines to ensure a fair and peaceful campaign environment.
 
 

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