Over 30 elders, aged between 70 and 85, from Ongongoja sub-county, Katakwi District in eastern Uganda, staged a protest on Monday outside the RDC’s office in Katakwi District headquarters. They were demonstrating over the disappearance of their LC3, Hon. William Omeke.
According to Lawrence Okwi, an elder from Ongongoja sub-county, their LC3, William Omeke, had been in China for a month-long agricultural study. Upon his return, he was arrested at his home in the early hours of the morning by security forces.
Omeke, who was arrested on June 26, 2024, is currently detained at the Moroto Third Division Headquarters pending court-martial. Reports suggest that his arrest is linked to his involvement in community efforts to drive away Balalo cattle herders from Ongongoja sub-county.
“The arrest of our beloved LC3 is politically motivated and orchestrated by a few political leaders and security forces in Katakwi District. We will vote for him even if he’s in jail,” stated one Odeke A.A Ilari.
Other elders told media houses that Omeke’s arrest violates his human rights as a Ugandan citizen and called for his immediate release. They also expressed concern that the sub-county has not held any council meetings since Omeke’s arrest, significantly impacting service delivery.
Opinion leaders, religious leaders, clan leaders, and lower-level political leaders have urged President Museveni and the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to intervene in the matter. They argue that the leadership in Katakwi has descended into petty political squabbles, undermining their effectiveness and causing suffering to the people.
The public has criticized the leadership for engaging in political infighting, which could lead to their electoral defeat.
Meanwhile, Katakwi RDC Godfrey Katamba recently told the media that the LC3, two of his nephews, a soldier, and a butcher from Usuk Town Council, Moroto Simon Peter, were involved in the theft of 22 cows from Poron sub-county in Napark District and were subsequently apprehended.
William Omeke, originally from Usuk County, was an opposition leader who later joined the NRM party in front of Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, who was the chief guest at a fundraising event in Katakwi.
In a recent statement before his arrest, Omeke expressed concerns about threats from security forces and other leaders.
The LC3 association, meeting at Petua Gardens Katakwi, called for unity among leaders and expressed concern about the emergence of political divisions in the district. Over 15 LC3s attended the meeting and emphasized the need for peace. This was before Omeke’s arrest, when the Katakwi RDC issued a warning to the association chairperson, Obukui Jorem, not to hold any meetings without prior approval.
The LC3, who was a strong supporter of the Katakwi Woman MP and Vice President Jessica Alupo, has faced significant challenges without support from his colleagues.
Residents have questioned why Omeke, having joined the ruling party, is still being targeted over local political issues in Usuk, especially since he was not directly involved in the alleged theft. They have urged Bosco Okiror, the area MP and Teso Parliamentary Group chairperson, to intervene and protect the rights of vulnerable people.
