Candidates for Ora County, Okoro County and Zombo Woman MP seats have urged the Zombo Electoral Commission to act fast against " open vote-buying, personal attacks and poster destruction" to keep the 2026 elections fair and peaceful.

The demand came during a full-day campaign planning meeting at Paidha Cultural Center on November 4, just six days before official campaigns start on November 10.

Independent Okoro candidate Innocent Godfrey Onega praised the EC but said: “Party politics is finished. No NRM, DP, UPC or FDC here. We are electing leaders, not parties. Give every candidate equal treatment and stop open vote-buying in the district.”

Wedunga, campaign manager for former Okoro MP Eng. Simon D’ujanga (Independent), added: “Some politicians are openly paying for votes. The EC must stop this commercialization of politics.”

Fellow independent Sunday Omirambe tore through some candidates over their abusive rhetoric and insults instead of plans: “We have no hospital, our roads are bad, people are poor. But some candidates only abuse others. That means they have no manifesto. The EC must punish such behavior.”

Woman MP independent Topista Acamfua called for peace and unity to stop fake news, while Monica Acan, speaking for incumbent Esther Afoyochan (NRM), demanded action against abusive behaviors that turn supporters against each other.

Candidates also reported heavy financial losses from poster vandalism. On October 11, thugs burned posters of Eng. Simon D’ujanga, Lawrence Songa Biyika (Ora), Vincent Orach Ocaya (Okoro) and Topista Acamfua at Zombo roundabout in broad daylight.

They warned that without EC action, the vote will not be free or fair for Zombo’s 300,000-plus people.

The candidates harmonized and agreed to operate along the agreed-upon roadmap ahead of the campaign, set to commence on November 10, 2025.

Zombo Returning Officer Emmanuel Ogwang replied: “We are ready for peaceful polls. Candidates must behave well. Your supporters copy you , the fish rots from the head.”

He promised police and stakeholders will punish vote-buying, abusive language and violence.

The EC returning officer Emmanuel Ogwang, urged candidates to stick to the agreed-upon campaign guidelines, adding that the guidelines shall be subject to changes in the coming days, calling for flexibility and understanding among the candidates.

Candidates now prepare to meet voters amid bad roads, poverty and division. The race is set to be tight, with strong independents challenging the ruling NRM, which usually wins over 70 percent of votes.

Recent NRM primaries split the party, opening doors for DP, NUP, PFF and independents. NRM leaders still claim they will dominate in 2026.

Snapshot of Candidates

EC urged to Stop Vote-Buying, Insults and Poster Vandalism in Zombo 

Zombo Woman MP 

Esther Afoyochan (NRM) – Incumbent fighting poverty with President Museveni’s plan.

Sarah Adong (DP) – Strong voice for roads, jobs and women.

Topista Acamfua (Independent) – Unity for women, youth and families and development for all.

Gladys Ngamita (Independent) – Teachers’ welfare and development.

Scholastic Uyullu (NUP) – No real progress; time for change.

Okoro County 

Eng. Simon D’ujanga (Independent) – Ex-MP; Electricity to every home effective and responsive Leadership.

Innocent Onega Godfrey (Independent) – Tarmac roads, upgrade Paidha to Municipal status.

Gabriel Okumu (NRM) – Incumbent; government roads, jobs, power.

Sunday Omirambe (Independent) – Unity, jobs, infrastructure.

Vincent Orach Ocaya (Independent) –

 Youth power, end isolation.

Winnifred Pacunega (Independent).

Ora County 

Lawrence Songa Biyika (Independent) – Incumbent; finish roads, health, schools and unfinished projects.

Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny (NRM) – Unity under NRM focusing on the Party manifestos

Collins Jakony (PFF) – Strong link to parliament for funds.

 E.C officials for harmonization meeting with Candidates at Paidha cultural center on November 4, 2025.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information