At least 12 incumbent Members of Parliament were voted out across the Karamoja sub-region during parliamentary elections held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, marking one of the most significant political shifts the region has witnessed in recent years.
The elections, which attracted candidates from various political parties as well as independents, saw voters dismantle long-standing political strongholds, signalling growing demands for accountability, improved service delivery and new leadership.
In Karenga District, Napore West MP Philip Lokwang of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) lost his seat to independent candidate Fidelis Loluk Logwee.
However, other incumbents, including Minister Rose Lilly Akello and Ben Baatom Koriang, retained their seats.
In Kaabong District, voters ousted two sitting MPs. Woman MP Christine Tubo Nakwang lost to Cathy Achia, while Dodoth East MP Emmanuel Komol, popularly known as Nataya, was defeated by Peter Pex Paak.
Ik County MP Hillary Lokwang and Dodoth North MP Joseph Komol Midi were re-elected.
Kotido District also registered major changes. Jie County MP Peter Abrahams Lokii lost to Gabriel Achia, while Woman MP Margaret Achilla Aleper was defeated by Nuria Hasfa Teko.
“The people have spoken, and I am ready to serve them with humility and commitment,” Teko said after being declared winner.
Kotido Municipality MP Ismail Mohammed Lomwar retained his seat.
In Napak District, Bokora County MP John Bosco Ngoya was defeated by Emmanuel Ilukol. Woman MP Faith Nakut and Bokora East MP Peter Ken Lochap survived the wave and were re-elected.
Moroto District stood out as the only district where all incumbent MPs retained their seats. These include Moroto Municipality MP Francis Adome Lorika, Woman MP Stella Atyang, Matheniko MP John Baptist Lokii and Tepeth MP Albert Lokoru.
“I thank God and the people of Moroto for trusting me once again. This victory comes with greater responsibility to deliver,” Atyang said.
Lokoru, who lost in the NRM primaries but went on to win the general election, described his victory as vindication.
“The will of the people has finally been answered. What happened in the primaries was unfair, but the people have spoken,” he said.
In Nabilatuk District, Woman MP Sylvia Awas lost to Emma Lokubal, while Pian County MP Remigio Achia retained his seat.
“This is a new chapter for women and youth in Nabilatuk,” Lokubal said. “I will represent them with integrity.”
Nakapiripirit District recorded two major upsets. Chekwii East MP and Minister Peter Lokeris Teko lost to Stephenson Yoyo Lokoru, while Chekwii County MP Moses Aleper was defeated by Simon Peter Longoli.
“The people wanted change, and they have expressed it clearly through the ballot,” Stephenson Yoyo Lokoru said.
In Amudat District, Woman MP Betty Louke Chalain lost to Rapina Chepakasina, while Upe County MP Micah Lolem Akasile retained his seat.
Abim District saw both incumbents defeated. Woman MP Janet Akech Okorimoe lost to Joyce Makamoe Ayoo, while Labwor County MP Jimbricky Ochero Noman was defeated by former MP Michael Ayepa.
In total, 12 incumbent MPs were voted out across Karamoja, underscoring a region in political transition.
Analysts say the results reflect voter frustration with poor service delivery, internal party wrangles—particularly within the ruling NRM—and the growing appeal of independent candidates.
As the 12th Parliament takes shape, residents across Karamoja say they expect newly elected leaders to turn campaign promises into tangible development and improved governance.
