Missing bank receipt derails FDC candidate’s nomination in Katakwi

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The nomination exercise for parliamentary candidates in Katakwi district took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, October 22, after the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag bearer for the Woman Member of Parliament seat, Frances Clare Apolot, failed to secure nomination due to the absence of proof of payment for her nomination fees.

Apolot, who was scheduled for nomination at 4:30 p.m., arrived at the Katakwi district Electoral Commission offices an hour and a half earlier, pleading with the returning officer, Stephen Makubuya, to allow her nomination while she sorted out the missing documentation.

She presented a mobile phone message purportedly showing confirmation of payment from the bank. However, the returning officer maintained that only an original bank receipt could serve as proof of payment.

Frances Clare Apolot of FDC trying to avoid the cameras after being bounced. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

“The only proof that can facilitate us to register you as a candidate is the original bank receipt. Since you do not have it, we shall extend your nomination to Thursday at the same time you booked on day one,” Makubuya told her.

Visibly disappointed, Apolot walked briskly out of the Electoral Commission premises, avoiding journalists who attempted to take her pictures or seek a comment.

Despite the incident, Makubuya described the first day of nominations as largely successful, with 13 candidates cleared to contest for various parliamentary seats across the district.

The exercise began at 9:20 a.m. with the nomination of Vice President Jessica Alupo, who was nominated first on the NRM ticket for Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi district.

In Toroma County, eight candidates were successfully nominated, including the incumbent Joseph Andrew Koluo, making it the most competitive race in the district. Ngariam County followed with three candidates — Augustine Otuko and Dan Mulalu (both independents) and Ignatius Apuda Loyola of the FDC — who are set to face off with education and sports state minister Peter Ogwang, who is also seeking re-election.

Usuk County had only one candidate nominated, Bosco Okiror, the incumbent Member of Parliament, who is contesting as an independent after losing the NRM flag to Richard Ongorok. Okiror arrived for nomination in a convoy of more than thirty vehicles filled with enthusiastic supporters.

Katakwi district, with a population of over 234,000 people according to the 2024 census, faces persistent challenges such as cattle theft by Karamojong warriors, floods, poor education standards, and high poverty levels. These issues featured prominently in the pledges made by candidates, who promised to prioritise development and self-sufficiency among their communities.

FDC’s Paul Ikwap, popularly known in the music industry as Mark P, who was nominated for Toroma County, pledged to harness Lake Bisina’s tourism potential to improve local livelihoods.

“We are seated on gold in Toroma County, surrounded by Lake Bisina, home to the rare shoebill bird. My mission is to promote tourism so that my people can earn from what they have,” Ikwap said.

Bosco Okiror independent candidate for Usuk county who is an incumbent arriving in a convoy for nomination. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

Meanwhile, Okiror of Usuk County reiterated his commitment to follow up on President Museveni’s promise to compensate Iteso communities that lost property and livestock during past Karamojong raids.

“My people lost cattle, and I am at the forefront of ensuring they are compensated. This is not the time for a new person but for me to complete what we started,” Okiror noted.

As nominations continue on Thursday, October 23, attention remains on whether FDC’s Apolot will return with the required documents to secure her place on the ballot for the 2026 general elections.