By Our Reporter 

Alebtong District - In a stunning political upset, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been defeated twice in less than a month by teacher Fred Jalameso, who won the Ajuri County parliamentary seat on a Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) ticket. The back-to-back losses mark a rare humiliation for one of Uganda’s most influential lawmakers.

The Electoral Commission (EC) officially declared Jalameso the Member of Parliament–elect for Ajuri County following a partial re-run and recount of votes on January 27. Jalameso polled 16,336 votes, narrowly edging out Obua, who received 15,568 votes.

The electoral drama began on January 15, when provisional results indicated Jalameso had won the seat. Obua challenged the results, citing irregularities in several polling stations. The EC subsequently nullified results from 18 polling stations and ordered a partial re-run, which again confirmed Jalameso’s victory, solidifying the teacher’s back-to-back triumphs.

The results were announced by Alebtong District Returning Officer Olobo Michael at the District Council Hall at 9:53 PM, under the provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act.

Fred Jalameso, a trained teacher and former headteacher at Light Vocational Secondary School in Lira City, ran a grassroots-driven campaign emphasizing education, accountability, and community service. Analysts interpret his successive victories over Obua, a political heavyweight and former State Minister for Sports, as a clear signal of voter desire for change in Ajuri County.

Observers note that the outcome reflects a growing trend of voters challenging long-standing incumbents, even those holding high office in the ruling party.

Obua has represented Ajuri County since 2011 and was regarded as one of NRM’s most formidable figures in northern Uganda. Losing twice within weeks is considered a rare and significant setback for both Obua and the ruling party, prompting discussions about party strategy and leadership in the region.

Following the announcement of the results, Denis Obua issued a statement conceding the declared results of the 2026–2031 Ajuri County Parliamentary Election. He thanked the people of Ajuri County for granting him the opportunity to serve as their Area MP and noted that he had served them to the best of his abilities.

Obua pledged that over the next five years he will continue serving Uganda, the NRM, and the people of Northern Uganda and Lango/Ajuri outside elective politics. He also congratulated and wished the newly elected MP, Fred Jalameso, good luck in his service.

The Ajuri County results are expected to reshape political dynamics ahead of the 12th Parliament, particularly in areas previously considered NRM strongholds. Fred Jalameso will be sworn in after the Electoral Commission gazettes the results, officially beginning his five-year term as Ajuri County’s representative.