By Our Reporter 

A tense and unforgettable moment took center stage during the Soroti City East parliamentary debate when Independent candidate Rodney Mukula, widely known as RODO, delivered a sharp verbal response to FDC’s Moses Attan Okia, igniting cheers, controversy, and intense political conversation both inside and outside the debate hall.

The debate, organized under a growing civic engagement initiative spearheaded by Teso-based writers and online journalists, attracted a large crowd eager to witness candidates articulate their visions for Soroti City. 

What began as a structured political exchange soon transformed into a dramatic confrontation when candidates were allowed to pose direct questions to one another.

It was during this segment that FDC's Moses Attan Okia confidently turned to Mukula and asked, “Will you work with me after the January elections, because I am the next Member of Parliament for Soroti City East?”, the statement, delivered with certainty, immediately stirred reactions from the audience even before Mukula picked up the microphone.

Rodney Mukula rose to his feet without hesitation and responded with a tone that instantly shifted the atmosphere in the room. “Before you go any further,” he fired back, “you must understand one thing power does not belong to you. Power belongs to the people of Soroti City, and they are the ones who will decide their leader.”

The response sent the audience into a frenzy. Cheers, ululations, and loud chants erupted, with supporters shouting phrases like “Tell him!”, “Lecture him!” and “He doesn’t know that!” The exchange dominated the hall for several minutes as order briefly slipped away, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment.

As the noise intensified, respected Teso writer and former Etop Radio news editor Dan Outa intervened to steer the debate back on track. Addressing Mukula, he cautioned, “You have not answered the question your colleague asked. Please respond directly because your time is running out.”

Taking the cue, Rodo adjusted his response and addressed the substance of the question. “I am ready to work with any leader who is elected by the people,” he said. “What matters most is restoring order and dignity to Soroti City, not personal political pride.”

He then turned attention to what he described as pressing challenges facing the constituency, particularly sanitation and waste management. 

“Our streets are filled with garbage, hygiene standards are poor, and these are issues that have been ignored for too long,” Mukula noted, drawing nods from sections of the audience.

Emphasizing his readiness to act beyond rhetoric, Rodney pointed to his business footprint in the city. “I have three companies operating here, including Asante Waste Management,” 

He said. “We can work together to clean this city and give our people the environment they deserve.”

The exchange between the two rivals quickly became the defining moment of the debate, with many attendees describing it as a rare display of raw political honesty and public accountability. While opinions differed on tone and delivery, the message resonated clearly: leadership is not self-declared, but entrusted by the electorate.

Beyond the individual clash, the debate itself marked a significant step in political engagement within the Teso sub-region. The initiative, led by Teso Vibez writer Nathan Eyagu alongside several Teso online media journalists, has gained widespread attention and praise. 

Discussions have continued across various platforms, with several constituencies already requesting similar debate forums.

As the January elections draw closer, the Mukula–Attan exchange remains a powerful reminder of the stakes involved and the passion shaping Soroti City’s political landscape. 

Above all, it reinforced a message that echoed long after the microphones were switched off: in a democracy, power is not claimed it is given by the people.