Hundreds of Sebei community members in the Sebei region have launched a campaign calling for the release of Julius Chelimo, the district Chairperson of Bukwo.
Mr. Chelimo, who has been in prison since his arrest in November 2022, is facing charges over alleged trafficking and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl who was a student in one of the schools in the Sebei region.
However, locals claim that Chelimo’s arrest was purely political, given that they have denied him all chances of being bailed out even without evidence to pin him down.
Geoffrey Chemaswet, a concerned resident, pointed out that ministers who had stolen Karamoja iron sheets have been set free, raising questions about what was particularly special about Chelimo’s case.
“We are calling for the immediate release of Julius Chelimo. We know he has no charges but he’s being jailed simply because he declared interest to contest for Member of Parliament for Kongasis County,” he said.
They expressed confidence that whether Chelimo remains in prison or is released, he will be voted for overwhelmingly in the 2026 elections.
Samuel Chemutai, another resident, stated that they would massively vote for him in the NRM primaries for the MP seat.
“Mr. President, please take an interest in Chelimo’s issues because we are becoming demoralized in supporting NRM as Sebei people,” he said.
