By Mike Rwothomio

In a significant shake-up, five incumbent Local Council III chairpersons were defeated in the National Resistance Movement primary elections held on August 14 in Zombo District, marking a pivotal moment in the district’s political landscape.

The primaries, conducted peacefully across Zombo’s 15 lower local government units, saw low voter turnout but minimal disruptions, with only minor issues reported in Aka ,Abanga and parts of Paidha Town Council.

incumbents defeated

The ousted incumbents include: Jimmy Kristopher Okwonga (Kango Sub-County), who secured 954 votes but lost to Christino Odaga (1,215 votes), with Ezati John trailing at 895 votes.

William Okethi of Paidha Sub-County, who garnered 1,003 votes was defeated by Osmond Wathum Ociba (1,112 votes) in a tightly contested race.

Naftali Ucamagiu of Zombo Town Council, a veteran politician, who earned 224 votes and was unseated by Grace Unegiu who got 704 votes out of 1,649 total votes.

Gorge Bidong of Warr Town Council, who secured 725 votes was outperformed by local artist Wilfred Ojok who garnered 1,117 votes out of 3,244 total votes.

Charles Okecha of Jangokoro Sub-County, who managed 841 votes was defeated by Kasamba Lawrence Opio. Who garnered 1,277 votes out of over 4,000 total votes.

Hotly Contested Race in Paidha

In the populous Paidha Town Council, the election was a high-stakes battle. Amos Jacan Kole, the Zombo District Youth Chairperson, emerged victorious with 1,691 votes, defeating rivals Denis Angala (1,582 votes) and District Councillor Sadiki Onencan (1,191 votes).

The results, first tallied at Paidha Town Council Cultural Center and later declared at the District by the acting NRM Registrar , triggered widespread celebrations, with supporters includong women, youth, and children, parading through the business hub’s streets, singing and drumming.

Narrow Victory in Abanga

In a contentious race in Abanga Sub-County, Tatizo Unyuthi clinched victory with 1,458 votes, edging out Cosma Wanok (1,456 votes) by a mere two-vote margin, underscoring the razor-thin divides in local politics.

Incumbents Who Held Firm

Several incumbents successfully defended their positions: Constantine Omwon of Nyapea Sub-County, retained his seat with 1,090 votes, fending off challengers Giramia Christine and Giramia.

Melki Onyutha Orwothuwun of Padea Town Council, secured 1,774 votes, decisively defeating Owonda Fred 's 671 votes out of 2,445 total votes.

Jenario Unegiu of Athuma Sub-County held on with 1,490 votes against Agenunga William's 947 votes out of over 2,000 total votes.

Meuva Jackson of Alangi Sub-County dominated with 3,034 votes, outpacing Owacgiu Ronald Abeka who got 848 votes and Mazu Ubia Silverfield's 451 votes out of 4,331 total votes.

Pimundu Francis of Zeu Sub-County secured 3,346 votes, defeating Innocent Jatho who secured 1,743 votes.

Geoffrey Okura of Atyak Sub-County retained his seat, though specific vote counts were not provided.

James Cekecan Apoy of Warr Sub-County won with 1,641 votes against Pastore Piwalith's 1,070 votes.

Godfred Okura of Aka Sub-County triumphed with 4,625 votes, far ahead of Amayo Alfred's 1,184 votes. However, the results was withheld over some irregularities that is under investigation.

Party Unity Urged

Elia Dokcen, the acting NRM District Registrar, called for party loyalty, urging defeated candidates to refrain from running as independents, encouraging those dissatisfied with the results to petition the NRM Election Tribunal in Kampala for redress.

The Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, Festus Ayikobua, emphasized unity ahead of the general elections, cautioning against internal divisions: “I don’t want us pointing fingers at each other. We know what we have done, and let’s respect that. This is not the last election. Let’s not fight.”

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information