Seven incumbents lose seats in Pakwach LC3 elections

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A political shift has unfolded in Pakwach district following LC3 chairperson elections, with seven sitting leaders failing to secure re-election across the district's 10 sub-counties.

Only three incumbents retained their positions: Esau Opio of Panyango, Davidson Oramba Chope of Wadelai, and Patrick Warom of Pakwach town council.

The wave of change that blew on February 4, 2026, has brought seven newcomers into leadership roles, with Penuel Kerchan emerging victorious in the Panyimur town council, while Morris Ocaka claimed Panyimur sub-county.

Candidates and their agents fill up Pakwach Town Council during the tallying of the results. (Photo by Edna Piyic)

Nicholas Opar, Elly Rwothomio of Alwi and journalist Alfred Jawoko aka Dorombe secured victories. Geoffrey Okot won in Pokwero, while Thompson Ovuru of Ragem was unopposed.

Analysts attribute the incumbents' downfall to unfulfilled development promises compounded by a strategic political alliance that exclusively endorsed newly elected Jonam County Member of Parliament Marshall Alenyo. Despite the delayed opening of some polling stations, voter turnout remained extremely low across the district.

Tensions peaked in Jonam Lower, encompassing the greater Panyimur sub-counties, where the electoral contest was marred by hate speech and deep-seated family and community rivalries. Newly elected Panyimur TC LC3 chairperson Penuel Kerchan called for unity and service.

"When you win an election, you must serve the people," Kerchan said, further pledging to eradicate corruption from sub-county offices, which he asserts has severely hampered service delivery.

Among the few incumbents who retained their seats, Esau Opio of Panyango, who was among only two unopposed chairpersons, outlined his development priorities for the coming term, saying improving education and roads in the subcounty is top of his agenda.