Internal Strife Erupts as Rivals Contest Oucor’s NRM Primary Win in Pingire County
Phillip Oucor, the recently declared NRM flag bearer for Pingire County, Serere District, appeared before the NRM’s disciplinary tribunal today to defend his primary election victory. His opponents—led by runner-up Ojit Peter—have filed formal complaints alleging electoral malpractice, vote rigging, and procedural violations during the July 17th primaries.
The high-stakes hearing threatens to deepen fractures within the ruling party’s ranks in the Eastern Region ahead of general elections.
Tribunal Proceedings and Allegations
Oucor faced intense scrutiny during the closed-door session, where petitioners presented evidence claiming irregularities in vote tallying across 15 polling stations. Ojit Peter (who secured 6,509 votes, 37.2%) argued that Oucor’s narrow 994-vote margin resulted from “coordinated manipulation” by NRM officials. Witnesses cited missing ballot papers, inflated counts in Oucor’s strongholds, and exclusion of rival agents during verification.
The tribunal, chaired by NRM Electoral Commission head Dr. Tanga Odoi, pressed both sides for documentary proof. Odoi, who earlier certified the primary as “free and fair”, now faces pressure to address grievances or risk further party fragmentation.
-Oucor’s Defence and Party Loyalty Pledge
In a defiant statement outside the tribunal, Oucor dismissed the allegations as “sour grapes” and reaffirmed his commitment to NRM unity: My victory reflects the will of Pingire delegates. I won cleanly under the party’s rules, and I urge my brothers to join me in focusing on the real battle ahead—defeating opposition candidates.” He cited his acceptance speech on July 17, where he called for collective support to secure the NRM’s parliamentary seat.
Historical Context: Oucor’s Contested Electoral Past.
This challenge echoes earlier controversies:
2020 Primaries. Oucor defeated incumbent MP Patrick Okabe in Serere County, only for Okabe to run as an Independent and win the general election
2023 By-Election: After Okabe’s death, Oucor became NRM’s nominee but lost to Okabe’s son, Emmanuel Omoding, despite President Museveni’s campaign support. Internal NRM sabotage was blamed for that defeat.
Pingire’s Volatility: The new Pingire County constituency—carved from Serere District—is seen as an NRM battleground, with Oucor’s 42% primary win exposing persistent factionalism.
Unity at Risk: The tribunal’s verdict could alienate Ojit Peter’s 37.2% support base, potentially triggering independent runs or opposition collaboration.
Museveni’s Shadow: Sources allege President Museveni is “closely monitoring” the case, wary of repeating the 2023 Serere loss where misinformation led him to back Oucor against local sentiment.
Opposition Opportunity: FDC and NUP candidates loom as beneficiaries if NRM infighting persists, echoing Okabe’s 2021 triumph over a divided ruling party .
The tribunal will deliver a ruling within 7 days. Options include:
Validate Oucor’s Win: Likely if evidence is deemed insufficient, but risks mass defections.
Order a Partial Re-vote in disputed polling stations to appease factions.
Disqualify Oucor: A nuclear option that could destabilise NRM’s Eastern Region machinery.
Closing Quote– NRM Eastern Chair Mike Mukula: “Democracy must prevail, but unity is non-negotiable. Pingire needs an NRM MP—not internal warfare.”
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