Teso voters punish 'underperformers' as NRM reclaims ground, over 10 incumbents fall

TESO - At least 13 incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Teso region have been swept out of Parliament, according to the final tally of votes cast in their favour during the January 15, 2026, General Election.

The development, analysts say, is a powerful voter backlash against underperformance, bitter party primaries and shifting political loyalties.

The most high-profile casualty was fisheries state minister Hellen Adoa, who lost the Serere District Woman MP seat she had held for a decade.

She was defeated by Esther Lucy Achom, an Independent candidate and political newcomer who had earlier lost to Adoa in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries.

Achom said her victory vindicated her long-held belief that she was unfairly denied the party flag. 

“This win confirms that I was the rightful winner in the NRM primaries,” she said after being declared victor.

Veterans swept aside

In Kasilo County, long-serving MP Elijah Okupa, who had represented the constituency for 25 years, was defeated by NRM’s Paul Emaju, 40. 

Okupa alleged intimidation by security forces during the campaign but said he would not seek redress in court.

“There was a lot of intimidation by the army, but I leave it to God. I will not go to court but only put the winner on notice that I am not done with politics. Once his term is over, I will return to the field,” said Okupa, 58.

The political wave also claimed Teso Parliamentary Group (TPG) chairperson Bosco Okiror, who lost the Usuk County seat to NRM’s Richard Ongorok. Okiror’s defeat followed an earlier loss to the same rival in party primaries, signalling early cracks in his support base.

Minister Hellen Adoa lost the Serere Woman MP seat to a newcomer, Esther Lucky Achom. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Kaberamaido

In Kaberamido’s Ochero County, NRM’s Francis Okullo defeated Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)’s Julius Emigu, while in Soroti District, Opposition heavyweights also fell.

Tom Julius Ekudo (FDC) lost Gweri County to Herbert Edmond Ariko, who controversially switched from Soroti City East Division to contest in the rural constituency.

The Kaberamido District Woman MP seat also changed hands, with Jane Amongin (NRM) defeating Jane Awici, repeating her victory from the party primaries in the final poll.

Ngora

In Ngora District, Stella Apolot Isodo, the TPG spokesperson, was defeated by NRM’s Josephine Pedun, further shrinking Opposition representation in rural Teso. Two days later, Apolot died at Kampala Hospital, where she was being treated.

Her party has distanced her death to failing election, stating that Apolot has been sick for a while and she had not recovered from an operation held in Turkey last year.

Bukedea

In Bukedea County, NRM’s Beecham Okwere took over from John Bosco Ikojo, while in Dakabela, two-term MP Cosmas Elotu lost to NRM’s Peter Edopu Edeku, who had earlier beaten him in party primaries.

After six unsuccessful attempts, Solomon Osiiya (NRM) finally triumphed in Toroma County, defeating Independent incumbent Andrew Joseph Koluo.

In Pingire County, Independent-leaning Peter Ojiit defeated Fred Opolot, while in Kalaki District, Maria Goretti Ajilo, who also serves as the NRM district chairperson, reclaimed her seat from former radio presenter Jennifer Ayo, having first beaten her in the primaries.

Both Jonathan Ebwalu and Patrick Amuriat lost the election in Soroti West Division and Kanyum County, respectively. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Soroti city

Perhaps the most symbolic victory for the ruling party came in Soroti City West Division, where NRM National Vice Chairperson (Eastern), David Calvin Echodu, defeated FDC’s Jonathan Ebwalu.

“Five years ago, voters in West Division did not believe in me, and I respected their decision,” Echodu said. 

“Now they have trusted me, and I will work to attract investors, build factories, improve roads, and expand access to water,” Echodu explained.

Echodu noted that President Yoweri Museveni posted a stronger performance in Teso than in previous elections.

“NRM has reclaimed former Opposition strongholds, including West Division, Gweri, Ochero, and Ngora. That is the new energy I promised the people of Eastern Uganda,” he said.

President Museveni won in Teso with 85% of the votes while Opposition leaders gathered 9.83%.

Political analyst Julius Arugu of the Public Affairs Centre Uganda (PAC) attributed the incumbents’ defeat to poor performance in office and manipulation during party primaries.

“Those who rigged their opponents in the primaries could not survive the secret ballot,” Arugu said. 

“Voters used the general election to punish underperformers and give new faces a chance.” Arugu added.

He added that President Museveni’s campaign promises, especially the pledge to compensate Teso families with cattle and the maintenance of relative peace, boosted the ruling party’s appeal.

Despite the losses, Mary Akello, the FDC chairperson for Soroti district, insisted the party remains strong, pointing to victories in Soroti City.

“We regret losing those constituencies, but that does not mean FDC is weak. We still dominate urban areas,” Akello said.

She further blamed the opposition’s poor performance to heavy spending by NRM candidates, the promise of cattle compensation, and the government programs such as the Parish Development Model, which she said swayed voters.

“People voted for NRM because they want services, and we cannot blame them for that,” she added.

Among the biggest opposition losses was FDC President Eng. Patrick Amuriat, whose second attempt to win Kanyum County in Kumi District fell short against NRM’s Simon Peter Opolot.

As Teso adjusts to a dramatically altered political landscape, one message from voters is clear: longevity in office is no longer enough performance, party unity, and grassroots trust now determine political survival.