MP Ariko to Skip Teso Decides Gweri County MP Debate

 January 9, 2026   |    62 views

By Aribabai Updates

GWERI COUNTY — The campaign team of Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko, the NRM flagbearer for Member of Parliament for Gweri County, has announced that the legislator will not attend the Teso Decides: MP Gweri County Debate scheduled for Friday, 9 January 2026.

In a press statement released on Friday, the Media and Communication Team of Ariko for Gweri 2026 said the decision was reached after considering prior “more strategic engagements” already planned by the campaign.

The statement further noted that Hon. Ariko’s absence is in line with the campaign’s guiding principle of refraining from participating in political activities conducted at night, citing concerns related to order, safety, and effective engagement with voters.

“Due to other planned and more strategic engagements of Team Ariko, and considering our philosophy of not being involved in political activities at night, our candidate will regrettably not attend the planned debate,” the statement read in part.

The campaign team, however, emphasized that the decision should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from public engagement or accountability, reaffirming Hon. Ariko’s commitment to interacting with the people of Gweri County through alternative forums and platforms that align with the campaign’s values and schedule.

Organizers of the Teso Decides debate have not yet issued a formal response regarding Hon. Ariko’s absence. The debate is expected to proceed as planned, with other candidates anticipated to participate.

The Teso Decides series has gained traction in the Teso sub-region as a platform aimed at promoting civic education, issue-based politics, and voter awareness ahead of the 2026 general elections.