Yumbe leaders urge politicians to reconcile

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Yumbe district leaders have urged both winners and losers of the recently concluded parliamentary elections to embrace peace and reconciliation to prevent further hatred and division among themselves and their supporters.

The Sunday, January 18, 2026, appeal follows an incident of violence reported in Aringa North constituency, where five houses and a motorcycle were reportedly burnt in politically-related attacks.

The leaders said elections are a democratic process that should not leave lasting enmity within communities. 

According to the final election results announced by the Yumbe district Electoral Commission returning officer Benson Obeti on Friday evening, National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag-bearer Huda Oleru Abason retained the Aringa East constituency seat, Alioni Yorke Odria (NRM) retained the Aringa South constituency seat.

The results also indicate that Siraji Brahan Ezama retain the Aringa County seat, while Karim Musa unseated two-term Aringa North constituency MP Godfrey Onzima. Avako Melsha Naima Gule retained her seat as Yumbe District Woman MP.

Hajji Sulaiman Lubwama Bukya, RDC Yumbe addressing candidates and agents during the ceremony to declare results on Friday evening at Yumbe EC office.

Yumbe district Police commander Samson Muyamba said the elective positions are meant to accommodate only one candidate, meaning others will have to fail.

He encouraged the winners to celebrate in a responsible manner that would not provoke the losers to act violently.

"It's good to celebrate the win, but I urge the winners to ensure that, they control their supporters so that there is no provocation," he said.

Yumbe Resident District Commissioner Hajji Sulaiman Lubwama Bukya said, a mature leader will always consider politics as the wish of the majority and remain focused on working together with whoever the voters have chosen.

He emphasised that Yumbe needs unity and co-operation to focus on development and service delivery rather than political rivalries.

" It's not a do-or-die business, it's only the wish of the voters. I urge that we respect their opinion, and who knows, if the voters see you remain united and shaking hands freely, then they will consider the loser in the next round of elections," he said.

Bukya warned that, the security is ready to deal with any person who wants to frustrate the peace in the district.

Obeti said the elections were generally peaceful across the district because of the maturity exhibited by the candidates, continued civic education and vigilance by the security.

He, however, challenged the candidates to maintain discipline and guide their agents and the voters to speak politely to each other rather than provoking the losers.

Zaitun Driwaru, the NRM commissioner who hails from Yumbe, urged victorious candidates to be humble in victory and reach out to their competitors.

She also called on the losers to accept the outcomes peacefully and continue constructively engaging their supporters in order to bounce back in the next elections.