Pallisa, Uganda: Ben Okiria Thursday won the NRM flag bearer for Pallisa District LC5 chairperson in a hotly contested primary, defeating incumbent Patrick Duchu and Grace Outa Engorit by a landslide margin.
According to official results declared by Samuel Emurwon, the Pallisa District NRM returning officer, Okiria garnered 121,206 votes, beating Duchu’s 43,214 and Outa’s 9,254, earning what has widely been described as a “people’s victory.”
“I cannot grade myself as the best politician, but I applaud the entire district for the love they showed me when they flocked to their polling stations in large numbers,” said Okiria, moments after being declared winner.
“I won in all four counties and proudly call this a people’s victory. Let this not be tied to any tribe. I want to become a symbol of unity between the Iteso and Bagwere.”
Candidates, Voters Speak Out
Grace Outa conceded defeat and praised Okiria’s well-organized campaign. “I should not be underrated. I polled 9,000 votes. If it were the new ‘O’ level curriculum, I would have also gotten result one,” he joked, referring to her electoral performance.
Mr. Yoweri Tukei, a businessman from Akisim trading centre, described Okiria as a God-chosen leader. “When he contested for LC3 in Pallisa Town Council and his victory was robbed, he calmed down, not knowing God had a bigger assignment for him.”
Jeremiah Ariong, the newly elected NRM flag bearer for Pallisa Sub-County and a strong mobiliser for Team Okiria, said Okiria’s message spread like wildfire. “Most people in some villages only wanted to know who Okiria was. Some even voted for him after hearing his manifesto at burials,” he noted.
Okia Simon, Agule Town Council Chairperson, lauded Okiria’s upbringing and the values of his family. “The Ojullu family is God-fearing and subscribes to the Pentecostal Assemblies of God. Their children are well-nurtured and disciplined.”
Moses Emuge, district councillor and NRM flag bearer for Opwateta Sub-County, emphasized that Pallisa expects tangible results. “My prayer is for the people to allow him space to implement his mission for the district, instead of piling personal demands on him.”
In a sweeping political shift, only four of the incumbent district councillors retained their positions, with many swept away in what voters dubbed the “New Curriculum” wave.
Joshua Omugit, the deputy speaker of Pallisa District Council, echoed this sentiment. “The political wave came with a slogan called ‘New Curriculum,’ and it swept all councillors regardless of performance.”
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