Govt Chief Whip Obua concedes election defeat, rules out court challenge

KAMPALA - Government Chief Whip Dennis Hamson Obua has ruled out contesting the Ajuri County Member of Parliament (MP) election results.

The incumbent Ajuri County MP's words come a week after he lost to Uganda People’s Congress’ (UPC) Fred Jalameso, a teacher.

Despite a repeat poll in 18 sub-counties, which was triggered by concerns over the integrity of the poll, when the curtains came down, Jalameso had secured 16,336 votes against Obua’s 15,568.

Speaking to journalists on February 5, 2026, Obua said it was imperative to respect the will of the people. Unlike other politicians who have taken the fight to court seeking recounts.

“Irrespective of the circumstances that prevailed in the elections of Ajuri County, whether the invisible hands were visible. Whether we know them or do not know them, I conceded defeat. I stated in very clear terms that I have no business going to court for a recount, for an election petition. Let the wishes and aspirations of the people or the will of God prevail in this circumstance,” he said.

He added that he still stands by this position and continues to thank God for the 15 years he served as the area representative and five years as youth MP. Noting that he will continue to serve in other capacities.

“I still remain the NRM regional vice-chairperson for Northern Uganda, that is still an elective position, that I will serve for the next five years.”

Furthermore, he saluted voters from Lango, Acholi and West Nile regions for the overwhelming support they rendered to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party where on average each district gave President Yoweri Museveni 80 per-cent.

Obua consoled his voters and supporters, likening his defeat to the sacrifices that come with victories in any contest.

“In any battle, be it a military or political one; there are commanders that pay the price. When you look at the raid of Entebbe, the overall commander of that raid, the brother to the current Prime Minister of Israel (Yoni Netanyahu) died, meaning he paid the price,” Obua added.

“When you look at those who fought in the bush under the National Resistance Movement [Army] (NRM), people like Magara (Sam), Sseguya they paid the price. So, in each and every battle, there is a commander or commanders who pay the price,” he added.

Address internal divisions

Going forward, Obua said they need to address internal divisions in the ruling NRM party, which may have contributed to his loss and those of others.

“Majorly, I would attribute it to the internal intrigue and infighting within NRM. I believe that there are weeds that we need to deal with within the NRM in my opinion. I may not go into the details. But the details are known. Even the hands that are invisible are visible at times,” he summed.  

Other MPs concede

Obua joins the likes of Kyamuswa County’s Moses Kabuusu, who have resisted the temptation to seek redress in court.

In Kabuusu’s case, speaking to New Vision Online on February 3, 2026, he said, although he is no stranger to court battles, he was disappointed the last time he pursued one, in 2011, by a ruling which, in his view, fell short.

“I castigate and curse the choice I made to go to court that day. How justice is handled in election petitions. I remember retired Chief Justice Owiny Dollo was the judge,” Kabuusu stated.

“….The verdict he gave, condoned people bribing voters, people disparaging characters of other candidates and said election petitions or Parliamentary Elections Act did not come to make politicians heartless like beasts in the jungle that cannot give donations and food or what. Then on character assassination, he said there was time as a candidate, I also had opportunity to go and water down what had been said about me,” he added.
Kabuusu lost to NRM’s Carol Nanyondo Birungi, though he alleges that there were a number of irregularities.