Caesar Lubangakene, a former contender for the Laroo-Pece Division parliamentary seat, has broken his silence on why he stepped out of the heated race, firmly rejecting speculation that he was paid off or pressured into quitting.
Although he had been serving as the National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson for Northern Uganda, Lubangakene entered the contest as an independent. In mid-November, he formally notified the Electoral Commission (EC) that he was withdrawing, a move that quickly stirred public debate.
The rumours intensified after the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, who also leads the Democratic Party (DP), Norbert Mao, hinted at his first rally last week that four aspirants were preparing to pull out. His remarks sparked talk of political bargaining involving several candidates, Lubangakene included.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Lubangakene insisted his decision was self-driven. He said that months of observing the political environment, coupled with guidance from elders, supporters, agents, and his own family, led him to conclude that this was not the right moment to stay in the race.
He dismissed claims that Mao induced him to quit, emphasising that the minister offered him no money. While he admitted meeting Mao, he stressed that their conversation centred solely on policy priorities he hoped Mao would advance if elected.
Portraying his move as tactical rather than final, Lubangakene said, “I’ve only taken two steps back like a sheep that is going to attack. I’m only regaining strength; I have not withdrawn completely from Acholi politics.” He vowed to continue championing youth empowerment, community development, and regional advocacy, assuring his supporters that he remained committed to public service.
Meanwhile, as the parliamentary campaigns enter their second month, concerns have grown about stalled activities among certain candidates in the Laroo-Pece Division. Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) aspirant Geoffrey Komakech is among those who have yet to hold a public rally.
Komakech admitted the delay, citing internal party issues and limited funds, though he insisted he is still firmly in the contest. He is currently waiting for the FDC leadership to honour commitments made ahead of his nomination. “There are about three or four items we need to sort out. Finance is part of it, but it is not the biggest issue. There are some assurances I want from them which are internal within the party, and I cannot disclose. If they don’t give me that assurance, then I don’t think I will put my money,” he said.
Despite the absence of open rallies, Komakech noted that he has been meeting local groups quietly. “It is true I’ve not done an open rally, but I have been moving on the ground, meeting women’s groups and savings circles. I’ve only not done open rallies,” he told reporters.
Originally, ten contenders joined the Laroo-Pece race, making it one of the most crowded contests in the city. With Lubangakene stepping aside, nine candidates remain, including the incumbent Fr Charles Onen seeking a second term; National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Tony Kitara; Democratic Front (DF) candidate Samuel George Okello Charles; Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidate Simon Opoka; and independents Charles Odokonyero, Edward Odong, Charles Onen, and Wilfred Opobo.
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