A Ugandan lawmaker has been arrested on suspicion of voter bribery during the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries in Namayingo District.
Michael Wanyama Odwori, the Member of Parliament for Namayingo South Constituency, was taken into custody on Thursday in Buswale Sub-county. He was reportedly found distributing money to residents in support of Ochieng, a candidate vying for the NRM District Chairperson flag ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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The incident occurred during the party’s nationwide primaries to choose flag bearers for district and local council positions.
Wanyama, who recently secured the NRM ticket to run again for Namayingo South, has long faced criticism from political opponents, with repeated accusations of voter manipulation and irregular campaign practices.
Namayingo District Police Commander Ronald Kitanda confirmed the arrest but offered few details on what followed.
“Yes, we arrested him, but the issue has been resolved,” Kitanda told reporters, without specifying whether the MP would be charged.
The arrest has generated mixed reactions within the district. While some residents and NRM members have called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws and greater transparency in the party’s internal processes, others have questioned whether law enforcement is acting neutrally during the primaries.
The NRM is under growing pressure to ensure credibility and fairness in its internal elections as it prepares for the 2026 polls.
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