Zombo, Uganda: A Primary Seven leaver running on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Zombo District’s lower local government elections in Wednesday’s local council polls.
Wilfred Ojok Olwora, a self-declared “P.7 leaver,” defeated independent candidate Frederick Okumu to win the Warr Town Council LCIII Chairperson seat as voters delivered mixed outcomes across sub-counties and town councils.
He was declared winner by Zombo District Returning Officer, Emmanuel Ogwang, after he polled 1,373 votes against 428 from his closest rival, Okumu, sparking loud celebrations among supporters.
Ojok, who said he completed his formal education in 1995 at Ukemu Primary School, attributed his victory to voter confidence despite criticism over his academic background. “The victory goes to voters who trusted me even though many despised me because I’m not educated,” Ojok said.
He pledged to prioritise electricity extension and piped water for Warr Town Council, while faulting the outgoing administration for what he described as weak planning and spending on minor items such as brooms for town sweeping.
Ojok first rose to prominence last year after defeating incumbent LCIII Chairperson George Bidong in the NRM primaries by a landslide margin.
Other poll results
In a razor-thin race in Paidha Town Council, NRM’s Amos Jacan, also known as Kole and the current Zombo District Youth Chairperson, narrowly beat independent Denis Angala by just seven votes, polling 2,246 against 2,239.
Other contenders, including Chispo Olwora, NUP’s Sam Rwothomio, and former teacher Okirwoth, trailed with smaller vote shares.
Following his declaration, Jacan called for unity and outlined development priorities, including lobbying for Paidha Town Council’s elevation to municipal status and upgrading Paidha Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, citing the town’s growing population of over 40,000 residents.
In Abanga Sub-county, retired teacher Tatizo Onyuthi (NRM) secured victory with 1,694 votes, defeating independent Cosmas Wanok (996) and incumbent Richard Awekonimungu (149).
Zombo Town Council produced another upset as independent candidate Opio Frank won with 968 votes, beating NRM’s Grace Onega, who polled 659, out of 1,668 votes cast.
In Kango Sub-county, NRM’s Odaga Christino cruised to victory with 2,402 votes against independent Awoni Emmanuel (611).
Several incumbents retained their seats. In Jangokoro Sub-county, independent Charles Okecha held off challengers Gilbert Binen, Kasamba Lawrence Opio, and Akera Albert, while Pimundu Francis successfully defended his seat in Zeu Sub-county against Bidong Patrick, Jatho Innocent, and Lawrence Conikare.
Seven LCIII Chairperson positions were filled unopposed, including Alangi Sub-county, where incumbent Meuva Jackson and all parish councillors returned unchallenged. Meuva credited his re-election to transparency, accountability, infrastructure development and social service delivery.
Other unopposed winners included:
- Nyapea Sub-county: Constantine Omwon (second term)
- Athuma Sub-county: Jinaro Onegiu (second term)
- Warr Sub-county: James Cekecan Apoi (second term)
- Padea Town Council: Melki Onyutha Orwothuwun, after NUP’s Mohammad Abdul withdrew on January 23, 2026
- Atyak Sub-county: Okura Fred
Zombo District has 15 lower local government units and more than 140,000 registered voters, with officials reporting generally fair turnout across polling stations.
Residents expressed expectations for improved service delivery. Opar Godfred of Alisi Thungu cell in Paidha called for market upgrades, Piracel Bridget from Awini cell, Oturgang Ward, urged leaders to prioritise electricity access, while Akumu Dominica appealed for projects to engage idle youth.
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