The just-concluded district elections have produced a mixed political outcome across the country, with some incumbents securing fresh mandates while others were voted out, as voters delivered contrasting verdicts on local leadership.

The local government elections were marked by decisive victories in some districts, narrow margins in others, low voter turnout, and a growing number of disputes. While declared winners pledged improved service delivery, several losing candidates rejected the results and signalled possible legal challenges over alleged irregularities.

Former and Incumbent Leaders Retain Power

In Pader District, former chairperson Alfred Akena made a political comeback, reclaiming the LCV seat after securing 20,779 votes, nearly a decade after his previous term ended.

Nakaseke District voters reaffirmed their support for Ignatius Koomu Kiwanuka, who won a fifth term as LCV chairperson. The retired teacher polled 49,516 votes, defeating independent candidate Fredrick Kakooza, who received 8,720 votes.

In Ntungamo District, incumbent Charles Mucunguzi narrowly retained his seat after winning 84,903 votes (51.19 per cent). His closest challenger, Kabeho, garnered 80,465 votes (48.51 per cent). Despite withdrawing from the race, Naboth Mpireirwe still polled 503 votes (0.30 per cent).

A similarly tight contest unfolded in Madi Okollo District, where NRM’s Ismail Drabe Adirisi held onto the LCV position. According to District Election Administrator Samuel Olet, Drabe secured 16,014 votes, narrowly defeating independent candidate Bruno Onzima, who polled 15,917 votes. Another independent contender, Antes Oyemy Asedri, received 254 votes.

Incumbents Lose as Voters Choose Change

In Nakasongola District, LCV Chairperson Sam Kigula lost his seat after serving two terms. He was defeated by Rogers Kulaba Ssemanda, the Male Youth Council Chairperson.

Change was also evident in Busia District, where independent candidate John Charles Namayindi, a radio presenter with Voice of Busia FM, won the LCV race with 38,194 votes. He defeated five candidates, including incumbent NRM chairperson Stephen Mugeni Wasike, who polled 28,707 votes.

However, Wasike rejected the results, alleging inflated voter figures at polling stations in Masaba, Masafu, Buhehe, and Sikuda sub-counties. He announced plans to petition the courts seeking nullification of the outcome. NUP’s Geoffrey Wandera also dismissed the results, claiming the electoral process was compromised by vote rigging.

Despite the disputes, Namayindi pledged to work with all stakeholders and prioritise improved service delivery, particularly road infrastructure.

Landslides, Comebacks, and City Results

In Amuru District, NRM flag bearer Christopher Odongkara was declared LCV chairperson following a landslide victory. Odongkara, a former LCIII chairperson for Pabo Sub-county (2016–2021), polled 18,161 votes, defeating independent candidate Opio Atwom with 4,732 votes and FDC’s Denis Rom, who secured 4,720 votes.

Oyam District witnessed a political comeback, with Nelson Adea of the People’s Progressive Party reclaiming the LCV seat. Results released by District Returning Officer Joseph Omona showed Adea securing 45,914 votes, ahead of NRM’s Benson Walter Dila, who polled 24,041 votes, and independent candidate Peter Emuna.

Emuna accepted the outcome, citing the district’s vast geographical size as a challenge during the campaign. He said he would return to contest again in 2031.

In Arua City, former Makerere University Guild President Lawrence Alionzi, popularly known as Dangote, won the mayoral race on the NRM ticket. Alionzi polled 32,663 votes, defeating independent candidate Trinity Ceaser Draecabo with 3,197 votes and DP’s Gaspar Pirio, who received 1,712 votes.

Speaking to reporters, Alionzi attributed his victory to strong mobilisation and a campaign message centred on improved service delivery.

The incumbent LCV Chairperson of Luwero District, Erastus Kibirango, has been declared the winner of the district chairperson elections amidst violent clashes at the tally centre on Friday morning.

The Luwero District Acting Returning Officer, Moses Rwanks Kiconco, declared NUP’s Erastus Kibirango the duly elected Chairperson after he garnered 35,743 votes, defeating his closest rival, NRM’s Rashidah Birungi, who polled 28,288 votes. Independent candidate Vincent Ssebayiga Kalumba came third with 7,983 votes, while Laulence Ssebuufu of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) trailed with 561 votes.