BULAMBULI – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party vice-chairperson for youth in Bulambuli District, Hudson Ngotoa, has been arrested for allegedly uttering defamatory statements against NRM women league chairperson Lydia Wanyoto.
Ngotoa was arrested over the weekend for allegedly leading a social media campaign against Ms Wanyoto in favour of Connie Galiwango, the Mbale Woman MP.
Mt Elgon Region Police Spokesperson, Mr Robert Tukei, on Monday said the suspect, who also formerly served as coordinator of Crime Preventers for Elgon Sub-region, allegedly posted offensive messages on several WhatsApp groups accusing Ms Wanyoto, of being behind the death of her husband, Dr James Mutende.
“The suspect claimed that Hon Wanyoto is a murderer, who killed her husband in cold blood. He also claimed Ms Wanyoto is a goon, who ferries guns and bullets and disrupts peace within Mbale city, among other, things,” Mr Tukei said.
Dr Mutende, who was state minister for industry, died on October 2, 2015, at his home in Lukuli- Nanganda in Makindye in Kampala. According to the post mortem report handed to the government, he died of natural causes.
According to police, the WhatApp groups, where Mr Ngotowa allegedly posted the offensive messages on different dates included IUIU youth forum, Elgon voice and NRM media panelist.
Some of the messages, which were retrieved by police, read: “Lydia must abort her intentions to run against Hon Connie Nakayenze Galiwango. She killed James Mutende in cold blood. Even Umukuku Bob Mushikori is aware. She even paid him money to keep quiet.”
“He was arrested and will be charged with four counts, all related to offensive communication and cyberstalking towards the chairperson of NRM women league, Hon Lydia Wanyoto,” Mr Tukei, said.
Ms Wanyoto formerly served as Member of Parliament for East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). She is also one aspirants eyeing for woman MP, Mbale District, come 2021 general elections.