Amolatar: NRM cancels elections in Awelo and Akwon

16 May 2025, 5:40 pm

By Sarah Ejang

Amolatar, Uganda – Mr Ogonya Boniface, the Administrative Secretary of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Amolatar district, has officially announced the cancellation of elections for the NRM chairperson positions in the sub counties of Awelo and Akwon, following significant unrest during the electoral processes on 16 May 2025.

In Awelo, the elections were suspended amid escalating chaos caused by an overwhelming crowd that exceeded the capacity of security personnel to maintain order.
The disorderly environment raised serious concerns about the potential for violence, exacerbated by ongoing disputes regarding voter eligibility.

Meanwhile, in Akwon, although the election proceeded, the outcome was highly contested due to the narrow margin of victory—just a single vote.
The result triggered considerable agitation from the losing faction, which was further inflamed by the mysterious loss of the electoral register book. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

In contrast, elections in the remaining sub counties were conducted peacefully, with 12 new sub county chairpersons successfully elected from 14 participating sub counties. Notably, only two incumbents retained their positions—in Namasale sub county and Amolatar town council.

In Muntu sub county, Registrar Muntu Joel Ogwang reported decisive results: Emwalu James was elected chairperson with 125 votes, followed by Emolo Peter with 36 votes.
Ayena Patrick was elected unopposed as vice chair, while Ojek Emmy was appointed General Secretary. Other key appointments included Angole Joseph as secretary for publicity and Tyan Alex Omara, who was unopposed for the position of secretary for Finance.

Election outcomes across various sub-counties were as follows:

• In Namasale town council, Pamela secured a landslide victory with 124 votes, while Egor Paul received none.
• James Aton Obongi of Opali sub county won with 147 votes, defeating former candidate Oyuku Bonny.
• Akwanga Alfred from Etam town council obtained 17 votes, losing to Obaa Felix, who secured 143.
• Ojok Obanange from Acii sub county received 118 votes.
• In Nalibwoya sub county, Ebil George was defeated by Orec Joel, who garnered 147 votes.
• Olobo Joseph Adew from Arwotcek sub county achieved 144 votes, defeating former candidate Ogema Ambrose.
• Okello Abia from Abeja sub county won with 114 votes. Aryong Alex was elected vice chair with 102 votes.
• Opeto Denis from Etam sub county secured victory with 45 votes.
• In Agwingiri sub county, Ogwok Former stepped down, allowing Oluma John to win the seat. Ongwen Bonsula was elected vice chair.
• Ojek Tonny from Namasale sub county topped the polls with 249 votes, defeating Okello Thomas Francis, who received 27.
• Emong Adingi was elected unopposed in Amolatar town council, with Opio Sam Alemere serving as vice chair.
• In Aputi sub county, Ogwal Olwal went unopposed, with Ogwang Acana continuing in a previous role.
• In Agikdak sub county, Arago Otto was unopposed following the withdrawal of Kawa Dickens.

The NRM has reiterated its commitment to conducting future elections in a peaceful and secure environment, thereby promoting democratic governance in Amolatar district.

Amolatar district comprises 16 sub counties. Further updates will be provided as investigations and reviews continue regarding the disturbances in Awelo and Akwon.