National Resistance Movement (NRM) has dominated the LCIII chairperson elections in Katakwi District, winning 15 of the 20 sub-counties.
Independent candidates captured four seats, while the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) secured one.
Katakwi District Returning Officer Stephen Makubya declared the 15 NRM candidates officially elected on Thursday morning at 10:00 am at the district tally centre. Among the NRM winners are Amaitum Simon Peter, who polled 965 votes to defeat Ronald Ongorok and Nicodenu Omuga, and Saverio Okiror of Omodoi Sub-county, who won with 845 votes against three other candidates.
In Usuk Sub-county, Nathan Malinga was proclaimed the winner with 1,144 votes, narrowly defeating DP’s David Ariko, who received 1,112 votes. In Ngaraim Sub-county, Moses Iteit of NRM won with 2,188 votes, defeating independent Francis Otude and Ben Okello.
Charles Ikabat of NRM triumphed in Okore Sub-county with 1,077 votes over independent Simon Okedi. Jorem Obukwi of NRM won in Akoboi Sub-county with 1,986 votes, while Winfred Rose Akol won Toroma Town Council with 413 votes, defeating independent Charles Okudi.
Simon Peter Omacar of NRM captured 1,031 votes, beating independent Albert Emukok, while Zadock Akutu of NRM won Katakwi Sub-county with 922 votes. John Elunyu of NRM defeated independent Martine Egwarat in Palam Sub-county with 2,749 votes against 2,059.
NRM’s Richard Okello and Francis Aruo won in Magoro Town Council and Magoro Sub-county, respectively. Other NRM victories included Amos Otim (Guyaguya Sub-county), John Peter Malinga (Ongongonja Sub-county), John Bosco Oranit (Toroma Sub-county), and several others across the district.
Independent candidates, including Ben Odeya (Getom Sub-county), Isaac Omagor (Amusia), Elvis Ojula, and Michael Echelu, also secured wins in some sub-counties. John Robert Okiror, NRM Katakwi District chairperson, said the party’s success was achieved with minimal party funding.
He attributed Katakwi’s strong showing to recent NRM support in the region, ranking seventh nationally and first in the eastern region. Okiror noted that the five lost seats were due to candidates failing to follow party rules, such as contesting after losing internal party elections.
Meanwhile, Raphael Ojakal, FDC Katakwi District chairperson, said the party has registered unprecedented participation in last year’s elections.
He highlighted FDC’s growth at both grassroots and district levels, despite challenges including voter bribery and intimidation.
