By Our Reporter

SERERE DISTRICT - Kasilo County has recorded a landmark political upset after voters ended the long parliamentary career of veteran politician Elijah Okupa, bringing to a close his 25-year dominance in the constituency.

In a fiercely contested election, NRM flag bearer Emaju Peter Paul, a former banker, emerged victorious with 9,165 votes, signaling a decisive shift in Kasilo’s political direction. The results marked one of the most significant electoral turnarounds in the Teso sub-region in recent years.

Okupa, who had represented Kasilo County for over two decades and was once considered politically unassailable, finished third with 5,375 votes, trailing independent candidate Edonu Moses, who secured 6,786 votes. The outcome stunned many observers and underscored a growing appetite among voters for new leadership and fresh ideas.

Speaking after the declaration of results, Emaju thanked God, his family, campaign team, polling agents, and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for their support. He pledged inclusive leadership and committed himself to serving all residents of Kasilo County without discrimination.

“This victory belongs to the people of Kasilo. I am ready to work with everyone, including those I competed against, to deliver development and improve livelihoods,” Emaju said.

Political analysts attribute Emaju’s victory to a quiet but calculated campaign that focused on grassroots engagement and policy-driven messaging. In contrast, Okupa’s campaign leaned heavily on his long-standing political legacy, a strategy that appears to have resonated less with a constituency eager for renewal.

Local leader Ebasit Amos observed that the election outcome reflected a clear message from voters.

“People respected Okupa’s years of service, but they wanted change. Emaju presented himself as a new face with a different approach to leadership,” he said.

The Kasilo result is also being viewed as a broader signal of changing political dynamics in the Teso region, where the NRM continues to strengthen its presence. More importantly, it highlights the growing influence of the electorate in shaping leadership outcomes, regardless of political longevity.

As Kasilo County turns a new page, residents now look to the incoming MP to translate campaign promises into tangible development, while the election stands as a reminder that in a democracy, no political seat is permanently owned.

Source Credit - Patriots