Prominent leaders on Thursday shunned the celebrations to mark 30 years in power by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Gulu leaders including the district chairman Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, the woman MP Betty Aol and the Mayor George Labeja all shunned the celebrations held in Pece stadium in Gulu town.
The district Chairman Mapenduzi told Acholi Times he had received invitation for the event but could not turn up as he was busy campaigning.
‘‘I have a busy schedule. I received the invitation letter but could not attend. I sent my deputy if he did not come then I don`t know,’’ Ojara said.
Gulu municipal Mayor George Labeja also said he had received the invitation but was also busy campaigning.
‘‘I saw the letter in my office but I have busy campaign schedules so I cannot disappoint my people. Today [Thursday] I am having a rally at Gulu university and later at Pece Lukung that is why I did not attend the occasion,’’ said Labeja.
Betty Aol Ocan could not be reached for comment on why she did not attend the NRM event.
The district chairman was eventually represented by Opiyo Christopher Ateker, the Awach sub county
The Mayor was represented by Okello Nelson, the councilor who doubles as the municipal secretary for production.
Gulu municipal lord Mayor George Labeja defected to the Go Forward camp from NRM after losing the party primary elections to rival Okwonga Alfred. He is now standing as an independent.
The NRM anniversary celebration was officiated by Gulu district Resident District Commissioner Okot Santos Lapolo. Lapolo praised the NRM party for restoring peace and development in the country.
The theme of the celebration was “30 years of NRM committed stewardship: A remarkable legacy for Uganda”
