Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama has hailed the people of Adjumani West for delivering what he described as one of Uganda’s most peaceful and orderly elections, as NRM candidate Leku James Pilli swept to victory in the parliamentary by-election.
Leku secured 12,423 votes against independent candidate Jasper Draga’s 2,559, giving him a commanding 9,864-vote margin.
The results were declared Thursday evening by Adjumani Electoral District Returning Officer Akau Eunice Christine after voting, counting and tallying were completed at all 114 polling stations.
A total of 15,216 ballot papers were counted, with 14,982 valid votes, 234 rejected or invalid votes and 19 spoilt ballot papers recorded.
Justice Byabakama, who commended the conduct of the election, said the exercise was marked by calmness and respect for the electoral process.
“I think we are discussing among ourselves that this might be one of the most peaceful elections that have happened. It was very peaceful. The people were very orderly and organised,” Byabakama said.
He said Electoral Commission officials encountered no major controversy at polling stations and praised voters for maintaining order even during the counting of votes.
“They have set the bar in this country on how to conduct a peaceful election. The people of Adjumani West, I must repeat, have set the bar,” he said.
Byabakama commended the two candidates, political parties, security agencies, polling officials, Electoral Commission staff and other stakeholders for contributing to the peaceful election.
He also urged residents to preserve the unity demonstrated during the election and turn their attention to the social and economic development of the constituency.
In his victory speech, Leku thanked voters for entrusting him with the parliamentary mandate and called on his former rival and supporters to join him in serving the constituency.
“I want all of them to remain united because this was an election, but we are people of Madi and we must remain united to guard our place,” Leku said.
He said Adjumani West faces several challenges that require collective effort, urging residents and leaders to work together beyond the election.
Leku also paid tribute to the late Gen Moses Ali, whose death left the parliamentary seat vacant, saying he would seek to address some of the challenges left unresolved while building on the former legislator’s contribution to the constituency.
He thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM Secretariat and party structures for supporting his campaign.
NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi credited Leku’s victory partly to his conduct after the party primary, particularly his efforts to reach out to fellow contestants following the internal contest.
Odoi also praised the party’s grassroots mobilisation strategy, saying it helped local communities take ownership of the electoral process.
“To me, as a scholar, I think that was the best we did in all the by-elections I have handled. Touching base and building synergies with the local content made the local people own the process,” Odoi said.
