Lira District Woman MP, Linda Agnes Auma, has offered an olive branch and forfeited the Shs 98 million cash award after winning the 2021 election petition filed against her by Boniface Bakongo.
Speaking at Grand Pacific Hotel, Auma said she opted to forfeit the cash award after reviewing the health and financial condition of Bakongo.
Bakongo, chairperson of the Youth Council in Aromo sub-county filed the petition against Auma whom he claimed was not academically qualified to be nominated and was still a civil servant as a resident district commissioner (RDC) of Amuru district at the time of her nomination.
However, the petition was dismissed due to a lack of evidence as Bakongo’s witnesses failed to prove they were registered voters in Lira district. Bakongo’s witnesses court found out lacked polling station identification, voter numbers while some did not possess valid national identity cards (IDs).
After receiving multiple requests for a meeting from Bakongo, Auma opted for a reconciliatory approach and forgave him, despite initially wanting to let the law take its course.
During the meeting, Auma explained that although she could have pressed charges, she chose forgiveness, especially after hearing Bakongo’s pleas. She stated that Aliro, being a young man with limited resources, would suffer socially and economically if arrested.
Auma expressed that she believed Bakongo was misled by her political opponent and urged young people not to follow politicians blindly.
Bakongo, in his plea for forgiveness, admitted that he had been influenced by others in power to file the petition and that he was left to face the consequences alone. He acknowledged his mistake and expressed that he had learned an important lesson.
