Mixed expectations as NRM’s Twalla, FDC’s Chelangat, ex-MP Obama fight for Tingey

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Kapchorwa district-based Tingey County is bracing for a closely watched parliamentary contest.

The race for the slot in the 12th parliament sees the incumbent Fadil Twalla of the National Resistance Movement facing renewed pressure from a returning former MP, and an Opposition challenger.

Besides the trio, there is also an independent aspirant, raising mixed expectations among voters seeking continuity, change, or a fresh political start.

With development delivery, political experience and accountability dominating the campaign narrative, the race pits Twalla’s bid for a second term against that of former legislator Kenneth Soyekwo Obama, Forum for Democratic Change’s Ashraf Chelangat and independent candidate Alfred Mangusho, in a constituency known for its competitive politics and high voter expectations.

Twalla lists rural electrification, water for production, improved road connectivity and expanded access to safe and clean water as his priority areas if re-elected.

He has also pledged to push for the establishment of a weekly market in the Kaserem area, arguing that it would stimulate household incomes, enhance agricultural trade, and strengthen cross-border commerce within the Sebei sub-region.

“Our people are farmers and traders. Without electricity, water for production, and reliable roads, poverty persists,” Twalla said. “NRM remains the most organised vehicle to deliver this agenda in Tingey.”

He points to communities that have been connected to power and water sources under his tenure, saying his next term will focus on sustaining these gains and lobbying the central government for additional funding.

A familiar challenger returns

Obama, a former Tingey County MP, is promising what he describes as “groundbreaking development projects” if returned to Parliament.

Obama says his previous experience gives him an advantage.

“I understand the gaps that still exist in Tingey County. I am coming back to Parliament to aggressively lobby and ensure our people are not left behind,” he said at a recent campaign rally.

He argues that Tingey requires stronger representation to attract larger government-funded projects and to amplify local concerns at the national level.

Calls for fresh leadership

FDC's Chelangat is urging voters to turn away from both Twalla and Obama, arguing that the electorate has already tested their leadership.

“The people of Tingey have tried both Twalla and Obama. This time, they should test new leadership that understands their daily struggles and offers fresh solutions,” Chelangat said during a campaign engagement.

Independent candidate Alfred Mangusho has struck a similar tone, presenting himself as a reform-minded alternative free from past political rivalries.

“This election should not be about personalities or political history, but about who is prepared to work honestly for the people,” Mangusho said. 

“I am offering myself as a servant leader, ready to listen, unite the county and push Tingey forward.”

Crowded field after chaotic primaries

The Tingey race follows tense and, at times, chaotic NRM primaries across Kapchorwa district that culminated in a re-run.

Despite the turbulence, Twalla retained the ruling party flag after fending off competition from Obama and other aspirants, including Nancy Chelangat and Mashud Chemowo.

The contested primaries have reinforced Kapchorwa’s reputation as one of the Sebei sub-region’s most politically volatile districts, where internal party battles often set the tone for the general election.

Political analysts say the re-run tested NRM’s internal cohesion but clarified its flag bearer ahead of the national contest.

Voters speak

On the ground, voters express mixed but measured views, weighing performance against expectations.

“I will vote for someone who brings services closer to us,” said Alice Chebet, a farmer from Kaserem. “Electricity and water have helped us, but we still need better roads.”

Daniel Kiprono, another voter, said continuity matters. “Twalla has started work. If he goes back, he should complete it. Changing leaders every time delays development.”

However, youth leader Ruth Chemaswet said young people expect more engagement. “Whoever wins must listen to young people and address unemployment, not just talk about roads,” she said.

NRM banking on track record

Twalla argues that both his personal record and the NRM’s national footprint make them the most credible option for Tingey.

“NRM is still the party with the capacity to fund infrastructure, health, education, and skilling,” he said. “That is why, despite competition, people continue to trust us with leadership.”

He dismissed suggestions that the entry of seasoned politicians threatens his chances. “Competition is part of democracy. What matters is delivery,” he said.

Tingey in focus

Kapchorwa, like much of the Sebei sub-region, remains politically significant due to its history of competitive elections and strong personalities.

Political commentators such as James Sebeyi Satya say Tingey County will be one of the constituencies to watch, given the mix of vibrant incumbency, returning former leaders, and voter new kids on the block along with demands for tangible development.

As campaigns intensify, the debate in Tingey is increasingly framed around service delivery, continuity, and trust rather than rhetoric alone.

Tingey at a glance

Tingey County is in Kapchorwa district in the Sebei sub-region and is largely rural, with livelihoods anchored in agriculture and small-scale trade.

Residents mainly engage in coffee growing, maize and vegetable farming, livestock keeping, and cross-border trading activities, making access to electricity, water for production, reliable roads, and functional markets central to local development.

Politically, Tingey has predominantly voted for the National Resistance Movement, though elections are often highly competitive due to strong personalities and intense party contests.

Its political landscape is shaped by high voter expectations, a history of contentious primaries, and a growing demand for visible service delivery over rhetoric.