By Nathan Eyagu

Dakabela County - With the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries drawing near, the political atmosphere in Dakabela County, Soroti District has grown increasingly intense. Parliamentary aspirant Anyimo Harriet has received a significant boost following the defection of over 100 supporters from rival candidate Peter Edeku Edopu’s camp.

The defectors, predominantly from Oyimai Parish, publicly declared their shift during a community event where Anyimo warmly welcomed them into her camp. In a powerful symbolic gesture, the defectors handed over their former rival Peter Edeku’s campaign shirts and wore Anyimo Harriet’s shirts, signaling a firm and public commitment to her candidacy.

In her address to the new supporters, Anyimo pledged to champion the establishment of a technical school in Dakabela County to equip the youth and women with valuable vocational skills. These would include carpentry, tailoring for females, and hairdressing, which she believes will transform livelihoods and reduce household poverty.

“Children don’t run from their mothers. As a mother, once elected, I will ensure that you are not left behind. Through vocational skills training, we shall improve our livelihoods and overcome poverty,” she said.

She also urged the defectors to remain peaceful and united as the primary elections approach:

“Come the 17th of this month, as you have willingly joined my camp early in the morning, I urge you to go and line behind Anyimo so that we change our livelihoods together. I ask you not to fight one another; Dakabela only has good people. The person representing you should be calm, understanding, and development-focused.”

Additionally, Anyimo announced plans to promote sports such as football, which she believes will help youth find opportunities to play professionally in clubs. She also promised to improve healthcare, road infrastructure, and education services across the county.

Why the Defection?

Speaking to this website, some of the defectors explained their reasons for leaving Peter Edeku’s camp:

“Some of us crossed because of the great ambitions Anyimo has compared to the other candidates,” said one defector.

Another added, “Anyimo has a strong vision for the county. She listens to us and understands our challenges. We believe she deserves a chance to lead.”

Their actions, including the public exchange of campaign shirts, signaled a clear shift in political allegiance toward Anyimo’s camp.

The NRM primaries, scheduled for July 17th, promise to be fiercely contested. Anyimo will face off against seasoned candidates including Peter Edeku Edopu, Simon Peter Edoru Ekuu, and others. With recent defections strengthening her base, Anyimo’s campaign has gained momentum and could alter the dynamics of the race significantly.

As candidates intensify their campaigns, all eyes are on Dakabela County, which appears poised for potential political change.