Pakwach, Uganda: A brief but tightly executed four-day campaign propelled West Nile Television journalist Alfred Jawok, popularly known as Dorombe Ku Ngom, to victory as Pakwach Sub-County Chairperson, defying incumbency and party machinery in a hotly contested local race.
Running as an independent candidate under the slogan “Codu Julawu,” Jawok polled 2,532 votes, defeating Cephas Gwoktho Anyayo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who secured 1,847 votes, and Frank Jaker of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who garnered 43 votes.
The three-way contest played out across four parishes—Olyejo, Atyak, Paroketo and Mukale—covering 63 villages and 31 polling stations, with a registered voter population of 12,873. With limited resources, Jawok opted for a compressed, parish-by-parish strategy.
“I was advised to campaign for a few days, and I followed that—one parish per day—covering all 63 villages,” Jawok said in a post-election interview. “It worked.”
He credited support from friends and well-wishers, and strong backing from the fishing communities along the Albert Nile, for translating early curiosity about his slogan into a decisive turnout on polling day.
Although he skipped the NRM primaries and ran as an independent, Jawok insisted his political identity remains rooted in the ruling party.
“I am a staunch NRM member, and no one can block me from supporting the party,” he said, adding that he actively mobilised for Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM during door-to-door engagements.
In his acceptance remarks, the incoming chairperson pledged to foster unity among political leaders, technocrats and community members to accelerate development in the lakeside sub-county.
Education will be a priority, he said, citing concerns over learning outcomes. “Only one pupil attained Division One in the last Primary Leaving Examinations. We must improve our standards—and we can do it together,” Jawok noted.
Jawok’s victory drew congratulations from West Nile Television colleagues and journalists across the sub-region. A seasoned broadcaster formerly with Pakwach FM and Paidha FM, he now transitions from field reporting and heavy camera gear to public administration—overseeing governance across Pakwach Sub-County’s four parishes and 63 villages.
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