They say size does not matter, not even when you are a party president and facing a little known politician in a remote district.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president and former presidential candidate Patrick Amuriat Oboi has been defeated in the Kanyum County parliamentary race by National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Peter Opolot Okwalinga, ending Amuriat’s bid to represent the constituency in the next Parliament.
The contest, held in Kanyum County, Kumi District, was described as highly competitive, drawing significant attention due to Amuriat’s national political profile and leadership of one of the country’s major opposition parties.
According to results released by election officials, Peter Opolot Okwalinga emerged victorious with 11,558 votes. Vincent Orena followed with 6,018 votes, while independent candidate Kedi Saul Patrick secured 4,608 votes.
Amuriat came third with 3,441 votes.
Other candidates included John Kokas Okanya, who polled 1,697 votes, Vincent Orena with 6,018 votes, Joel Adupa, an independent candidate, who obtained 441 votes, and James Akabwai of the National Unity Platform, who received 190 votes.
Speaking to journalists after being declared the winner, Okwalinga thanked voters for renewing their trust in his leadership and reiterated a campaign pledge that drew wide attention during the race.
“Now that voters have given me another term, I will fulfil my pledge and arrangements are going to be made to deliver the promised sheep to voters,” Okwalinga said.
Amuriat, however, rejected the outcome, attributing his loss to widespread electoral malpractices.
He cited voter bribery, intimidation, and other irregularities, which he said played a decisive role in shaping the results not only in Kanyum County but in other parts of the country as well.
The loss marks a significant setback for the FDC leader, who had hoped to return to Parliament after previously serving as Member of Parliament for Kumi County before the constituency boundaries were redrawn.
The election outcome further underscores the challenges facing opposition leaders contesting parliamentary seats amid intense competition and allegations of malpractice during the electoral process.