AJURI COUNTY – In a dramatic electoral reversal, Fred Jalameso, a schoolteacher and candidate for the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), has been declared the new Member of Parliament for Ajuri County, defeating the incumbent Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua. The result sends a significant political shockwave through the ruling party stronghold.
The re-run election, conducted on Wednesday, was ordered by the Electoral Commission following the discovery of substantial discrepancies in 18 polling stations during the initial general election. The decision to hold a fresh vote in those stations proved decisive.
When the final tally was announced late Thursday, Jalameso had secured 16,336 votes, edging out Obua who garnered 15,568 votes—a margin of 768 votes. The victory upends the political career of Obua, a prominent figure in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) who served not only as the Government Chief Whip but also as the State Minister for Sports.
Speaking to supporters in a jubilant, cheering crowd after his declaration, the newly-elected MP-elect framed his win as a triumph for grassroots concerns over entrenched power.
“The people of Ajuri have spoken with a clear voice,” Jalameso said. “This victory is not for Fred; it is for every parent struggling with school fees, every farmer seeking a fair price, and every young person looking for an opportunity. It is a mandate for change, for accountability, and for true representation.”
Jalameso, whose campaign focused heavily on local issues—including improving education facilities, agricultural support, and accusing the incumbent of being detached from the constituency—capitalized on the second chance presented by the court-ordered re-run.
For Denis Hamson Obua, the loss is a major political setback. As Government Chief Whip, he was responsible for maintaining parliamentary discipline for the ruling party. His defeat in a constituency considered an NRM stronghold raises immediate questions about local dissatisfaction and the party’s mobilization strategies ahead of future elections.
Obua was not immediately available for comment. However, sources close to his camp suggested they were “reviewing the results” but did not immediately indicate if they would challenge the outcome.
The Electoral Commission’s mandate for a re-run in the 18 disputed stations became the focal point of the entire race. Both campaigns invested heavily in mobilizing voters in those specific areas, turning the exercise into a high-stakes, single-day referendum on Obua’s tenure.
Electoral Commission officials reported a high voter turnout in the re-run stations, with the process concluding peacefully under close security surveillance. The final aggregate of the earlier valid votes from the uncontested stations and the new re-run results handed Jalameso his narrow but historic victory.
Political analyst James Magumba noted, “This result is significant for several reasons. First, it shows that court-ordered re-runs can alter the national political landscape. Second, it demonstrates that even in stronghold areas, a focused campaign on local issues by a challenger can resonate if voters feel neglected. Third, it is a substantial boost for the UPC, reviving its fortunes in a key region.”
The victory of Fred Jalameso transforms Ajuri County into a notable spot on Uganda’s political map, proving that no seat is entirely safe. As the teacher prepares to head to Parliament, all eyes will be on how he translates his campaign promises into action and how the NRM regroups after losing such a high-profile seat.
LCC TV NEWS
