The hotly contested position of Gulu Guild President with seven contenders, has attracted propagandist, malicious blackmailers who camouflage to position themselves for best the political gains. Many political consultation camps have sprouted and promised ‘clear passage’ to aspirants who associate with them as they promise doom to aspirants who turn their backs on them.
Mafia propagandists have mastered the art of using unknown whatsApp numbers to pass on malicious, tainting propaganda against their opponents. This new ingredient in Gulu politics took shape last year when a group of students used the same tactics to grab a win for the outgoing Guild President, Pr.Okidi Joseph. The invisible hands operating these Facebook and WhatsApp numbers use concocted hilarious names like ‘True source’, ‘reliable source’, Obwonyo Rwoth Mathew etc.
Their WhatsApp propaganda and fake accounts on Facebook have become the biggest wings to crash hopes of candidates, fuel propaganda and force aspirants to pay them so as to elude their manipulation and terror. “Alleging that one candidate gets financing from Uganda’s First Lady” or “one aspirant stole and is hiding a banner of the other aspirant”, a few of propaganda that leave students perplexed on who to believe or vote
“I was a small fish but I want to be a big fish. Many challenges affect us yet the big fish made the decision. Make me a big fish (Guild President) to make the good decision on your behalf”, Mr. Noowe Johnson from Camp Agenda 18 reinforces why he should be voted, during consultations. Mr. Ojok James, a radio presenter at Mega FM-Gulu, Mr.Mbaziira Daniel, Mr. Ojengo Boniface, Mrs. Alima Joyce Reeni, Mr.Opondo Bithum, Nyeko Winfred are other candidates who are expected to pick nomination forms for Guild Presidency.
The aspirants have started to draw budgets, programs for campaign. We have learnt that some have picked nomination forms ahead of the nomination day on Saturday 7th 2018. “I know some may withdraw from the race. The pressure is mounting and few will opt out”, one student wrote. Following the political heat and propaganda, students speculate that some candidates will succumb to pressure and quit.
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Our reporter: Ayebazibwe Ambrose
