Pader woman MP loses NRM election petition, announces independent candidacy

19 August 2025, 18:21

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

The incumbent Pader District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Aciro Paska Menya, has lost her election petition challenging the victory of Lowila CD Oketayot in the recent National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.

Lowila was declared the winner with 18,807 votes, representing 53.8%, narrowly defeating Paska Menya, who received 16,138 votes (44.2%).

The NRM Election Disputes Tribunal, which sat in Kampala on Friday, dismissed the petition, ruling that nullifying the election or ordering a fresh poll would serve no useful purpose, as official results had already confirmed Oketayot’s majority.

The ruling was endorsed by tribunal members Tendo Lubwama and Joseph Ogwang, and formally signed off by Panel Head and Chairperson John Musiime. Each party was directed to bear its own costs.

Following the tribunal’s decision, Hon. Aciro Paska Menya announced on Monday evening during a talk show on Rapa FM her intention to contest the 2026 general elections as an independent candidate.

The tribunal’s ruling cements Oketayot’s position as the NRM flag bearer while setting the stage for a competitive race in Pader District, as Paska Menya pursues an independent path.