NRM Gov’t Chief Whip Denis Obua Whipped by Teacher in Ajuri MP Race

Alebtong — Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidate Fred Jalameso has been officially declared the winner of the Ajuri County parliamentary race after securing 16,336 votes, narrowly defeating National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer and Chief Government Whip Denis Obua, who polled 15,568 votes.

The declaration was made on Tuesday by the Alebtong District Returning Officer following a court-ordered re-run in 18 polling stations, which had been excluded from the initial tally due to irregularities flagged during the post-election review process.

According to the final Declaration of Results Form issued under the seal of the Electoral Commission, Jalameso’s lead held after votes from the affected polling stations were added to the earlier count, giving the UPC candidate a margin of 768 votes.

The Ajuri County race had been marked by intense controversy.

Initial provisional tallies from 160 of 178 polling stations on January 15 showed Jalameso leading with around 14,321–14,331 votes against Obua’s 12,963.

Disputes over alleged irregularities, including vote inflation and mismatched figures in some stations in Awei Sub-county, prompted the Electoral Commission to order a re-run in 18 affected polling stations on January 27.

Jalameso had strongly opposed the re-run, insisting he had already secured victory and demanding immediate declaration.

Basis

He argued there was no legal basis for a partial fresh poll and accused authorities of protecting the incumbent. Despite tensions, high voter turnout, and heavy security deployment, the process concluded, leading to today’s official announcement.

The Electoral Commission said the fresh exercise was conducted in line with electoral laws and under heightened supervision to ensure transparency, credibility and compliance with the court directive.

In a brief statement after the declaration, Jalameso thanked voters for what he described as “renewed confidence in UPC leadership,” pledging to prioritise service delivery, agriculture and youth employment in Ajuri County.

Jalameso is a teacher by profession. He previously taught at Light Vocational Secondary School.

NRM officials had not immediately commented on whether the party would challenge the outcome in court.

The declaration brings to a close weeks of political tension in Ajuri County following the disputed results, and clears the way for Jalameso to take oath as the duly elected Member of Parliament for the constituency.