Itek Subcounty, Lira District — August 1, 2025The former Lira District NRM Chairperson, Hon. Sam Engola, has refused to accept the results of the recently concluded party elections, citing irregularities and violation of party procedures.
The elections were held yesterday in Itek Subcounty under the supervision of Zaitun Ziwaru, the NRM elections coordinator for Northern Uganda.
Hon. Linda Agnes Auma was declared the winner of the hotly contested race, garnering 188 votes against Engola’s 155.
Meanwhile, George Abdul emerged victorious as the Deputy NRM Chairperson with 193 votes, defeating Peter Okello Oyom, who managed 112 votes.
In his post-election remarks, Hon. Engola claimed that the election process was flawed, alleging that some voters were hidden at Hon. Auma’s residence prior to the vote.
He further argued that the events of the day contravened the NRM party constitution and violated his rights as a member. Engola declared he would not accept the outcome nor sign any document affirming the results. Instead, he plans to lodge a formal complaint with the top NRM leadership.
Other candidates, including Peter Okello Oyom and Engineer Henry Jackson Odongo, also raised concerns.
They claimed they were denied the opportunity to campaign before party delegates, which they believe significantly impacted their performance.
Responding to the grievances, Zaitun Ziwaru maintained that the election was legitimate and served as a continuation of the earlier exercise held in May.
“Anyone dissatisfied with the outcome is free to write to the NRM national secretariat,” she said. “But from my end, the election is complete and valid.”
Ziwaru commended NRM members for conducting themselves peacefully and urged the newly elected leaders to foster unity within the party.
She also encouraged collaboration between Hon. Engola and Hon. Auma, who are both flagbearers for NRM parliamentary seats.Hon.
Linda Agnes Auma expressed gratitude to her supporters and promised to lead with a progressive vision for the NRM in Lira District.
“This victory is not mine alone,” she said. “It belongs to the people of Lira who believe in a new chapter of unity and transformation.”
