By Mike Rwothomio

Eleven incumbent district councillors successfully defended their seats in Zombo District's fiercely contested local government elections held on January 22, 2026, according to official results announced by the Electoral Commission.

The polls, part of Uganda's broader local council elections following the January 15 national presidential and parliamentary votes, saw a notably low voter turnout across the district and much of the country, attributed to voter and inadequate sensitization, and fatigue from the recent general elections.

Zombo District Returning Officer Emmanuel Ogwang declared the results at the tallying center in Paidha Cultural Center, Paidha Town Council, sparking celebrations among several victorious incumbents and their supporters.

Prominent among the winners was Francis Bolingo, the vocal opposition leader and head of the Opposition Forum in the district.

Representing Athuma Sub-County and running under the Alliance for National Transformation banner, Bolingo, a controversial figure known for championing grassroots issues, defeated his closest challenger, Alex Kasamba of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

Speaking to the media after the declaration, Bolingo expressed gratitude to voters, pledging continued advocacy.

"I'm so grateful to the people of Athuma Sub-County for this victory. I will use this platform to continue lobbying and advocating for issues affecting you," he said.

Another key incumbent victory went to Hassan Ringtho, the NRM-backed district councillor for Paidha Sub-County and current district council speaker.

Ringtho outpolled his rival Onentho in a tight race. He credited his win to development projects he has lobbied for, including the rehabilitation of the 7-kilometer Pagisi-Namthin road, Amei Seed Secondary School, the 10-km Ofaka-Agelemu road, and Otheko Health Center III.

"I thank the people of Paidha Sub-County for choosing me again. I will ensure more roads like Pagisi-Arisi, Kuligamba-Amisi, Pagisi-Kaya, and Kaya-Jupangira are prioritized," Ringtho stated, highlighting infrastructure's role in local progress.

Other incumbents who retained their seats include:Jacinta Acen and Arua David (Jangokoro Sub-County)

Bithum David (Abanga Sub-County)

Mike Joram Anyolitho (Zombo Town Council)

Jovian Lengcwiny (Atyak Sub-County)

Mustafa Ongom (Warr Town Council)

Special interest group representatives who held their positions were Binen Narsis (workers' councillor), Geoffrey Aliana (persons with disabilities), and Tom Orwodhi (male elders' representative).

Despite these outcomes, the elections were marred by widespread reports of low voter participation.

Zombo District, with over 140,000 registered voters across more than 300 polling stations and 61 parishes, saw turnout described as "dismal" by candidates.

Residents and political figures place blames on the Electoral Commission for insufficient voter education and mobilization.

One of the electorates Peter Okecha of Ziingili Ward, Paidha Town Council, said he was unaware of the polls until recently.

Juliet Ujwiga of Central Ward echoed that many locals mistook the event for upcoming primaries rather than the actual elections.

NRM candidate Douglas Rupiny of Padea Town Council, noted the low turnout stemmed from "lack of awareness" among voters.

Bolingo himself described it as "the worst voter turnout ever," adding that the commission "would have done much better.

Polling officials reported minimal activity in several stations; for instance, Alengukuma and Christ the King in Central Ward saw fewer than 50 voters by 11:00 a.m. despite combined registrations exceeding 400.

Similar patterns emerged in Serr Parish, Abanga Sub-County.

The low participation mirrored national trends following the general elections, with stakeholders like Joyce Kayeny, Zombo District NRM Women's League Chairperson, citing "too much fatigue and exhaustion" from the intense prior campaigns as a major factor.

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