Newly elected Kitgum MPs pledge education, children welfare prioritisation

KITGUM - John Calvin Okoya and Simon Peter Oryema Adum, Members of Parliament–elect for Chua East and Chua West Counties, respectively, have pledged to prioritise advocacy for education and children’s welfare in their constituencies.

Okoya, an educationist who defeated foreign affairs state minister Okello Oryem, says the future of society lies in children and that education remains the cornerstone for social transformation.

The MP-elect, who was initially viewed by many as a political underdog, garnered 14,688 votes, defeating Oryem, who obtained 12,297 votes, while Jonathan Onencan of the Democratic Front trailed.

In Chua West County, Simon Peter Oryema Adum defeated incumbent Philip Poly Okin Ojara, attributing his victory to the media’s role in giving him space to articulate his manifesto to the electorate.

“As I wait for my swearing-in, I will begin moving around the constituency to gather views from my people and understand their priority needs,” Adum said.

He added that his key focus areas will include children’s welfare, access to clean water, and health services.

Adum secured 9,024 votes, followed by Eng. Allan Akena with 7,602 votes. The incumbent Okin Ojara, came second-last, defeating only Joseph Okelowange Ogwang of the Uganda People’s Congress.

Ministers fall as voters demand accountability

The parliamentary races in Kitgum involved three Cabinet ministers contesting for parliamentary seats.

Minister of State for Water and Environment Beatrice Atim Anywar lost the Kitgum Municipality seat to Denis Onekalit Amere of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

This is the second time he has defeated her.

The only minister who survived the political shake-up in Kitgum is Lillian Aber, who retained the Kitgum Woman MP seat.

Voters reportedly faulted the defeated ministers for failing to deliver quality leadership, accusing some of arrogance and inability to clearly articulate their manifestos.

New faces dominate Acholi  

Several new faces are set to join Parliament from across the Acholi region.

• John Calvin Okoya replaces Margaret Lamwaka Odwar in Chua East. Lamwaka contested for the Kitgum Woman MP seat but lost to Lillian Aber.

In Lamwo district, Johnson Nyeko Kezikiya will replace Dr. Jalon  Okulu Abuka, who withdrew from the race.

• Simon Peter Oryema Adum will represent Chua West, replacing Okin PP Ojara.

In Pader district, Christopher Komakech (NRM) retained the Aruu County seat.

However, his closest rival Samuel Odonga Otto alleged vote irregularities and petitioned the Electoral Commission for a recount.

• Komakech lost two parliamentary colleagues:

• Santa Okot (Aruu North) was defeated by Wellborn Odiya Otober (NRM).

• Paska Aciro Menya, the Pader Woman MP, lost to CD Lowila Oketayot (NRM), a former Woman MP.

Agago, Gulu, and Nwoya See Major Shifts

Denis Onekalit Amere wearing white cap seated at EC tally centre as he waited to be declared the two-time MP for Kitgum Municipality after he defeated minister Beatrice Atim Anywr. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)

In Agago district

• Benson Lugwar (Independent) replaced John Amos Okot (NRM) in Agago North.

• Edward Otto Makmot defeated David Lagen Atuka in Agago County.

• Incumbents Beatrice Akello Akori (Woman MP) and Richard Ricky Anywar (Agago West) retained their seats.

In Gulu district, all incumbents lost

• Sharon Laker Balmoyi was defeated by Phoebe Ayoo Obol.

• Simon Peter Wokorach(NRM) lost to Patrick Okello Onguti of the Democratic Party.

In Nwoya district

• Judith Peace Acan Onen (Independent) lost the Woman MP seat to Christine Lanyero Larem (NRM).

• Tony Awany (NRM) was defeated by Geoffrey Opiyo Payira (DP).

In Gulu city

• Rev. Fr. Charles Onen (Independent) lost the Laroo–Pece seat to Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and DP President General.

• Betty Aol Ocan (PFF) retained the Gulu City Woman MP seat.

• Martin Ojara Mapenduzi retained the Bardege–Layibi Division seat.

Omoro and Amuru retain incumbents

Unlike other districts, Omoro and Amuru retained all their incumbent MPs.

• Omoro District: Catherine Lamwaka (Woman MP), Andrew Ojok Oulanyah (Omoro County), and Simon Peter Okot (Tochi County).

• Amuru District: Lucy Akello (Woman MP), Anthony Akol (Kilak North), and Gilbert Olanya (Kilak South).

Experts cite improved civic awareness

Prof. Ogenga Otunnu, an expert in post-conflict society restoration and Presidential Mobiliser, said the election outcomes reflect improved civic education.

He noted that voters are increasingly choosing leaders based on competence rather than monetary handouts.

He also observed that security agencies closely monitored candidates—especially ministers with state backing—to prevent intimidation, creating a more level playing field.

“With new minds entering leadership in Acholi, the elected MPs must take time to understand the challenges, geography, and opportunities of their constituencies. Without this understanding, meaningful development will be difficult,” Ogenga advised.