By James Alomu

LC5 chairperson candidate John Michael Osegge has raised alarm over what he describes as the growing normalization of money driven politics in Soroti District, exclaiming “My God!” as he reflected on how deeply the trend has taken root among the electorate this campaign season. Speaking in an interview with our senior news reporter, Osegge said the rate at which voters demand money from candidates has reached an unprecedented level, warning that the practice threatens the integrity of the electoral process and the quality of leadership that residents ultimately choose.

According to Osegge, his experience on the campaign trail over the past few days has revealed a troubling pattern where many voters show more interest in financial handouts than in listening to candidates’ manifestos or development plans. 

He described several encounters in which voters openly asked for money before engaging in any discussion about community issues. Osegge noted that this shift in expectations not only discourages issue based campaigns, but also places undue pressure on aspirants who hope to win office through merit, vision and service rather than financial influence.

The LC5 aspirant urged residents of Soroti District to reconsider this approach, emphasizing that leadership should be grounded in ideas, solutions and genuine commitment to public service. He argued that when voters prioritize quick monetary gains over long-term development plans, communities often end up with leaders who lack vision and accountability. Osegge appealed to the electorate to evaluate candidates based on their manifestos, their understanding of local challenges and their ability to deliver sustainable development.

He further stressed that the future of Soroti depends on leaders who can propose and implement meaningful policies, not those who rely on handouts to secure support.

Osegge concluded by encouraging voters to make informed decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the district, reminding them that true leadership is earned through trust, ideas and tangible plans,not through money exchanged during campaigns.