Katakwi, Uganda: Uganda’s Vice President Rtd Maj Jessica Alupo Rose Epel has been declared unopposed for the Katakwi District Woman’s Member of Parliament seat after her sole challenger, Angella Anuken, withdrew from the race on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, days to the 2026 General Elections.
Alupo’s declaration was made by the Katakwi District Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Mr Stephen Makubuya, on behalf of the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byamakama, at the EC offices in Katakwi.
Makubuya said Anuken’s withdrawal was officially communicated to the Commission earlier in the day and processed in full compliance with Electoral Commission regulations, effectively clearing the way for Alupo’s uncontested candidacy.
Immediately after the declaration, Alupo thanked the Electoral Commission for the transparent process and expressed gratitude to her supporters for the confidence placed in her leadership.
Alupo acknowledged what she described as “sisterly competition” from her former challengers and noted that several women who had earlier expressed interest in the race had since secured placements in government.
She reiterated her commitment to mobilising resources for wealth-creation programmes targeting youth, farmers, women, the elderly, and small-scale entrepreneurs in Katakwi District and the wider Teso sub-region.
Anuken, who had earlier been nominated to contest for the Katakwi Woman MP seat, cited her inability to participate in the 2026 General Elections in a formal withdrawal letter addressed to the Returning Officer.
Alupo recently won the NRM party primaries for the Katakwi Woman MP seat, defeating Violet Akurut Adome and Anuken, who had initially indicated intentions to run as an independent candidate.
News of Alupo’s unopposed declaration sparked celebrations across Katakwi, with supporters taking to social media and the streets to congratulate the Vice President, chanting slogans, ululating, and dancing in scenes of jubilation.
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