Sarah Opendi Loses Vote Recount Application for Tororo Woman MP

The Tororo Chief Magistrate’s Court has dismissed an application by incumbent National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP Sarah Achieng Opendi seeking a recount of votes in 11 contested polling stations from the January 15, 2026, Tororo District Woman MP election.

Chief Magistrate Irene Nantebya (also referred to as Nambatya in some reports) delivered the decision on Tuesday morning, upholding the victory of independent candidate Angella Akoth. Official results showed Akoth securing 78,542 votes against Opendi’s 78,507—a razor-thin margin of 35 votes.

Opendi filed the application last week, alleging irregularities and discrepancies during the tallying process at the Tororo Electoral Commission offices.

She specifically requested a recount in the following polling stations: Kanag Church of Uganda in Ramogi Parish (Petta Sub-county, West Budama North County), Kidoko Central in Abwal, Papakol Centre, Kipangor Market in Kipamcor A East, Bolimoo Trading Centre in Maundo, Ticaf Mosque (A-M), Pentecostal Assembly of God Church in Ogiroi, Buganga Primary School in Ojila Sub-county, Nyambulie (Pasikula North/Nyambulie Central) in Senda, Kainja Primary School in Soni Sub-county, and Aturukuku Primary School in Bison, Maguria, Western Division.

The court allowed both parties to present evidence and arguments over the weekend.

However, inspections revealed that two of the 11 ballot boxes had broken seals, while four others showed signs of tampering on the sides.

Magistrate Nantebya ruled that the compromised integrity of the ballot boxes made a reliable recount impossible, as it would undermine the delivery of justice. Consequently, Akoth’s election as the duly elected Tororo District Woman MP was confirmed.

Reacting to the ruling, Opendi expressed little surprise, pointing to the tampering findings. She accused NRM National Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi of orchestrating ballot stuffing with security assistance to rig her out.

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Opendi maintained that the people’s will had been subverted despite her strong performance and vowed the battle was far from over.

“The will of the people who voted me overwhelmingly has been circumvented by a few individuals,” she said, urging caution among those celebrating.

Akoth, in contrast, thanked God and hailed the decision as a victory for the people of Tororo. She pledged to continue prevailing over Opendi politically until the former minister accepts retirement.