By Sharon S. Tibenda

31^st January 2011

NRM's Ochora

President Museveni’s representative in Gulu District Col. Walter Ochora, who is the Resident District Commissioner [RDC] of Gulu, has caused uproar among online Ugandans on Facebook after he allegedly teased a woman about how much she would charge for ‘kayabali’, a form of sex practiced in Western Uganda.

Ochora is said to have made the offensive remarks while discussing the 2011 elections on Facebook.  He allegedly told one woman that, “…look for a husband and give him that advice.  You know you will never represent the Acholis.  We don’t have male prostitutes in my community unless you want to share with me how much you charge for a round of KASHABALI”.

Ugandans react to Ochora’s insensitive talk

Stephen Twinoburyo, one of the enraged Ugandans, said, “…sincerely speaking, I think Nathan you should help us and remove this piece of filthy misfit from this debate otherwise the rest of us can’t share a stage with such rottenness…I don’t remember when I last heard such language…I don’t want those kinds of words in my inbox.  Those who come from Acholi, please tell the people…the kind of person Col. Ochora is.  I can’t believe this man can lead or represent…and worse still that the NRM would have him on their ticket”.

David William Rukanshonga said, “…imagine someone like him [Ochora] representing you in parliament and taking a decision on your behalf.  What a shame.  Does this filth have kids who call him dad?  Honestly, I feel sorry for them”.

Drew Ddembe said, “…he [Ochora] has so far said nothing except to yell slogans and offensive vulgarisms!  That the people in the NRM consider this man to be one of them…is reason for concern.  My grandmother always told me that it was very important who you associated with!  That you could tell ones character by the type of people he or she associates with!  Museveni [has] chosen to associate with Col. Ochora.  He should be judged for that!  We have got to assume that they have got something in common [or] else they wouldn’t be together”.

Godfrey Kahangi said, “…Ochora, you are a dirty old man. This forum has witnessed many forms of debate and attracted a wide array of discussants with a myriad of political views but this is the first time we’ve ever encountered such raw vulgarism as a format of discourse.

You’re a disgrace!  Your derogatory remarks to our esteemed and revered discussants, XXXX and YYYY, reveal not only a dirty mind but also a propensity to violence towards ladies”.

Muhiire Nathan, the man whose Facebook page hosted the discussion, also said, “…Col. Walter Ochora, you have really tested my patience. Please, I beg you to make an apology in the interest of Acholi community, [the] NRM, your family, and God.  I cannot believe this oh my God!  I had not seen other comments!  What careless remarks from a candidate who is campaigning to lead a traumatised district”.

Maria Bisaso said, “…Col Walter Ochora, how can you write such rubbish?  I am a mother of five grown up women who are on facebook and following these forums.  Are you a parent?  Why should NRM field such uncivilised characters”?

Joanita Annete Kategaya said, “…Col. Ochora, shame on you!  How dare you stoop this low?  You are the “rotten tomatoes” in the NRM party…this is despicable and I really pity your children and wife!!!  The only useful purpose he [Ochora] has is to bring shame and degradation to the NRM party.  We should spread the word on this.  I am really embarrassed and saddened”.

The most radical suggestion on how to deal with Col. Ochora however came from a certain Mercy Akongo.  She said, “…I suggest we come up with a petition asking the President to order Col. Ochora to step down.  We have to get the media involved all around East Africa.  We can start by presenting a copy [of the petition] to the president and request him to act or else we must involve the public [Ugandans]”.

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