Mixed bag after final vote tally of Tororo NRM primaries
The process, however, was marred by controversy, with allegations of electoral malpractice casting a shadow over some declared winners.
Locals lining up to voter during the NRM primaries. (Photo by Jackie Nambogga)
By George Ofwono
Journalists @New Vision
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The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries in Tororo district have delivered a mixed bag of results, with some incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) losing their bids for the party flag.
The process, however, was marred by controversy, with allegations of electoral malpractice casting a shadow over some declared winners.
Two sitting MPs: Fox Odoi Oywelowo (West Budama North East) and Dr Emmanuel Otaala Otaim (West Budama South) lost their bids to retain the NRM nomination.
Fox Odoi Oywelowo (West Budama North East). (Courtesy photo)
In West Budama North East, Richard Owere Machika won with 19,956 votes representing 51.146% of the 39,018 cast in a contest of seven candidates. Incumbent MP Odoi Oywelowo placed third with 5,472 votes.
Machika attributed his victory to the electorate's desire for change, citing a perceived leadership gap in the constituency.
The West Budama South race proved similarly contentious.
Ochai Maximus,West Budama County North Tororo (NRM). (Courtesy photo)
Former police officer George Oketcho emerged victorious with 22,842 votes, representing 31.00% of the 73,692 cast, placing incumbent Dr Emmanuel Otaala Otaim in fifth place with 10,713 votes.
Emokol Onyango took second place with 19,956 votes, followed by Solomon Oketcho (12,534) and Laban Langa (10,934). Other candidates included Robert Obbo (10,343), Joseph Katandi (319), Hellen Owor (60), and Dem Gaster Opondo (32).
However, these results are being contested. Dem Gaster Opondo alleges that results were fabricated in several sub-counties due to violence between rival factions and claims no elections occurred in several polling stations.
Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, Bardege-Layibi Division Gulu City (INDEP). (Courtesy photo)
He also cites reports of intimidation and the alleged killing of a supporter as reasons to question the validity of the results.
Outside of the contested constituencies, Defence Minister Jacob Maxson Oboth Oboth secured the NRM flag for West Budama Central, garnering a substantial 29,317 votes representing 66.244% of the 44,256 cast. He attributed his victory to fulfilling his manifesto during the last term.
In Tororo Municipality, incumbent MP Apollo Yeri Ofwono retained his NRM nomination with 4,176 votes representing 29.492%. His closest challenger, Patrick Ochom Ogunda, trailed with 911 votes.
Achieng Sarah Opendi, Woman Rep Tororo (NRM). (Courtesy photo)
Incumbent MP Max Ochai was declared the party flag-bearer for West Budama North.
Meanwhile, the results for the Woman MP seat are still pending, with provisional results showing a close contest between former ambassador Phibby Awere Otaala and incumbent Sarah Acheing Opendi.
Tororo County North also remains undecided, with Simon Nicholas Owino holding a slim lead over former MP Annet Nyaketcho. Similarly, the Tororo County South contest remains close between incumbent Fredrick Angura and Opua Alex.
Defence minister Oboth Oboth sails through
Defence Minister Jacob Maxson Oboth Oboth also secured the party flag for the West Budama Central constituency in Tororo District.
The minister was declared the winner on Thursday night by Tororo main NRM district registrar Joseph Kadoketch.
Oboth garnered 29,317 votes, representing 66.244% of the total 44,256 votes cast. His closest challenger, Eastern Youth MP Benard Odoi Oneni Mutusa, secured 3,373 votes (7.622%), while John Owino trailed with 1,466 votes (3.313%).
Defence Minister Jacob Maxson Oboth Oboth, West Budama Central County Tororo (NRM). (Courtesy photo)
Speaking shortly after the announcement, a jubilant Oboth attributed his victory to the positive impact of his work in the constituency.
“The people of West Budama Central rewarded me for fulfilling my manifesto in the last political cycle,” he stated.
“They are hoping for continued progress in the constituency.”
The results now pave the way for Oboth to contest the 2026 general election.