Obua says he’ll keep serving despite Ajuri County re-run defeat

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Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua says he is going to continue serving the country, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and the people of northern Uganda and Ajuri over the next five years outside elective politics.

Obua's January 28, 2026, remarks come a day after he was defeated in a poll in which he was seeking re-election as a Member of Parliament for Ajuri County. The incumbent legislator conceded defeat to Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) flag-bearer Fred Jalameso.

In a statement issued following the declaration of results for the 2026–2031 parliamentary elections, Obua accepted the outcome and thanked voters for the opportunity to serve.

“Following the recent declaration of results for the 2026–2031 Ajuri parliamentary elections, and pursuant to my service as the area Member of Parliament over the years, I wish to state as follows: I concede the declared results and thank the people of Ajuri County for granting me the opportunity to serve them,” Obua said.

Obua said he had served the people of Ajuri to the best of his abilities and made his contribution during his tenure.

Jalameso, a relatively little-known secondary school teacher, won the tightly contested race in Alebtong district.

According to the Electoral Commission results, Jalameso garnered 16,336 votes, while Obua received 15,568 votes. The race attracted five candidates.

Emmanuel Ongom Okwel of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) polled 2,874 votes, while independent candidates Molo Tom Jasper and Steven Omara received 1,585 and 519 votes, respectively.

The Electoral Commission had earlier scheduled a re-run on January 27, 2026, in 18 polling stations in Awei Sub-county following disputes arising from the January 15 polls.

Alebtong district returning officer Michael Olobo officially declared Jalameso the winner on Tuesday at the district headquarters.

After the loss, Obua congratulated Jalameso and wished him success in his new role.

Jalameso’s victory increases the number of UPC MPs in the incoming 12th Parliament, which begins in May, to 12, up from 11 in the 11th Parliament.

Other UPC MPs, include Federick Vincent Obony Eyit (Lira City West), Sarah Aguti Nyangkori (Dokolo District), Kenny Auma (Kwania), Santa Sandra Alum Ogwang (Oyam), Dr Eunice Apio Otuku (Oyam North), Geoffrey Ocen Kiring (Kioga North), Collin Angwec (Kioga), Janet Auma Okao (Amolatar), Leo Elem (Moroto), Vincent Opito (Dokolo South), and Peter Obong Acuda (Maruzi).