Ochom is Kumi municipality's first mayor

Richard Ochom, who contested as an independent, was late Wednesday declared winner as the first ever elected mayor for the newly created municipality of Kumi in Kumi district.

With 3,408 votes, he was declared winner by the district election officer Monica Ngobi.

Ochom defeated his closest rival Francis Okia of the NRM party who polled 3,093 votes - illustrating how close a contest it was.

Others in the race were George Okurut independent who came third with 2,346 votes and Robert Ocen of the FDC (237 votes).

Vote counting for Kumi municipality

"With the powers and the mandate given to me, I therefore declared Richard Ochom as the newly elected mayor of Kumi municipality having gathered the highest votes in the race," announced Ngobi after vote tallying.

The valid votes were 9,084, 338 were invalid while 9 were wasted as spoilt. Kumi municipality has 30 polling stations, 14 wards and 28 cells.

Ochom pledged to prioritize improvement of education, health, water and lobby for support to foster development in his area.

He urged his colleagues whom he beat to put their political differences aside and work together with him so as to nurture the young municipality.

But Ochen said the election was marred with voter bribery.