Teso’s only female LC5 chairperson Ajego pledges to fight graft

In a historic victory for women’s political leadership in Teso, National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer Jackline Ajego has won the Kapelebyong district LC5 chairperson race.

Ajego polled 11,540 votes, defeating four contenders, including seasoned politicians on independent tickets.

Ajego, a fresh face in the district’s political landscape, was declared the winner at 4:00am on today, January 23, 2026, by the District Returning Officer Peter Toddu after a tense tallying process.

She outpaced former Amuria district LC5 chairperson (2016–2021) Robert Okitoi Erisat who came second with 9,968 votes, while Simon Erwagu and Stephen Eselu of the FDC trailed with 4,101 and 534 votes, respectively.

“This win is not small for Kapelebyong,” Ajego said shortly after being declared the winner. 

“It gives us a leeway to redefine leadership where people are truly represented and receive the services they deserve.”

Jackline Adiego was one among those who recieved the NRM flag and had a photo moment with president Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni on his campign tour. Photo By Alfred Atwau

She pledged to make fighting corruption her immediate priority, describing it as deeply rooted in the district’s systems and a burden on ordinary taxpayers.

“Corruption has been a great war in this district, mostly felt by taxpayers who have no voice to raise their concerns. This war is finally over. I have come to redefine this district,” Ajego said, alleging that extortion of money for basic local government services has become common practice.

Ajego also highlighted her election as a milestone for women in leadership in the region. She is currently the only female LC5 chairperson in the Teso sub-region, a role she says should inspire young girls with political ambitions.

“This achievement should encourage young girls to pursue leadership roles. It shows that women can lead at the highest levels and deliver results,” she noted.

In her agenda, Ajego emphasised improving public services, particularly in infrastructure, education, and health. She described the district’s roads as impassable and in urgent need of government intervention, especially during the rainy season.

Her victory has energized local stakeholders, including Dinah Anyait, chairperson of the Women’s League in Kapelebyong, who urged collaboration to improve service delivery.

“Education and health sectors are struggling. Our leaders, from the Member of Parliament to now our sister Ajego, should work together to deliver the right services to our people,” Anyait said.

Tragic incident

The election, however, was marred by a tragic incident in Acowa Town Council, where a 73-year-old man, Geresemu Esamu, died following a scuffle at a polling station.

#presidentThe Resident District Commissioner, Tom Olinga Otukol, confirmed that security agencies have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Despite the isolated incident, returning officer Peter Toddu described the elections as largely peaceful. “Candidates were cooperative, and the process ran smoothly,” he said.

Ajego’s win marks a significant political shift in Kapelebyong, signalling voters’ desire for change, accountability, and inclusive leadership.