________________
PALLISA – Political tension is steadily rising in Gogonyo County, Pallisa district, as incumbent Member of Parliament Derrick Orone comes under mounting pressure from veteran politician Issa Bantalib Taligola, who is enjoying growing support from influential political figures across the area.
Taligola, a former Pallisa District LC5 chairperson and ex-Makerere University guild president, is contesting as an NRM-leaning independent.
Issa Bantalib Taligola, the independent Gogonyo county aspirant. (Courtesy)
He says Gogonyo needs decisive leadership to realise long-delayed development goals, including those that inspired the county’s creation from the former Agule County.
“Lobbying is my gift from God. I struggled to annex Pallisa District to the Teso sub-region, which enabled us to benefit from NUSAF, a programme designed for Teso, Acholi and Lango sub-regions,” Taligola said.
Taligola criticised what he described as misplaced priorities by the incumbent, arguing that Gogonyo, does not need entertainment acts such as Mary Bata and King Saha or Bebe Cool.
“The problem faced by Gogonyo is not entertainment. It is a misconception to imagine that after people have watched highly paid artists, they will forget poverty in their households,” he said.
Explaining why he chose to contest as an independent, Taligola said the NRM primaries lacked basic electoral credibility.
“Even at school, a teacher calls the register before starting a lesson. That did not happen in the NRM primaries. It was a shame for me to even think of going to the tribunal to expose those weaknesses,” he said.
Joseph Itabai, a resident of Apopong sub-county, said support for Taligola stems from his past record.
“Since Taligola left office as district chairperson, no single borehole has been added, and even maintenance of the existing ones is not addressed,” Itabai said.
He added that Taligola played a key role in the creation of Kibuku and Butebo districts, as well as Agule, Kibale and Gogonyo counties, and 27 sub-counties.
Defending his record, Orone said Gogonyo still needs his leadership, citing achievements such as lobbying for Kaukura Seed Secondary School and Obutet Seed Secondary School, distribution of hand hoes and walking tractors, an event presided over by Vice-President Jessica Alupo at Adal Primary School.
He also said he supported women in Gogonyo sub-county, an initiative launched by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among at Kapala Primary School.
“What retrogressed my planned service delivery is the petition Taligola filed in court that drained me, but I still have the potential to lead Gogonyo,” Orone said.
He added that as the NRM flag bearer and district party chairperson, he is better positioned to lobby for projects such as upgrading Gogonyo Health Centre to level IV and establishing Apopong Technical School.
Meanwhile, FDC candidate Henry Onaigo urged voters to abandon the NRM, citing unfulfilled promises.
Henry Onaigo, the Gogonyo county FDC candidate. (Courtesy)
“Our FDC manifesto, nationally regarded as the best, shall revive cooperatives to address household poverty, which the regime has turned into a mere slogan,” Onaigo said.
Independent candidate Nathan Dickson Wadambisha said Gogonyo’s challenges require fresh leadership.
“I am the youngest candidate in this race and understand the feelings of young people, so I deserve their support,” he said.