NRM poll: Kole district chair Awany secures only 40% in his home sub-county of Ayer

The defeat of Kole district LC5 chairperson Andrew Moses Awany by Lilian Anyati, 65, has exposed critical insights into the race.

Awany, who also serves as the President of the Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA), hails from Ayer sub-county—a factor that makes his loss there particularly striking.

On Friday, May 23, 2025, the 65-year-old woman was declared the winner against ULGA president and Kole district LC5 chairperson, Moses Andrew Awany.

The election for the NRM district chairperson was conducted through a delegate system, with representatives from each of Kole’s 11 sub-counties and town councils.

Each sub-county, including Ayer, contributes a maximum of 30 delegates.

These delegates consist of five executive committee members and five representatives from each of the five key leagues: women, elders, persons with disabilities, veterans, and youth.

An analysis of vote-counting footage reveals that Awany, a longtime political figure in Kole, lost in his own sub-county.

Out of 330 total delegates participating in the election, only 12 from Ayer voted for him, while 18 backed his opponent, Lilian Anyati.

This translates to a 40% share for Awany against Anyati’s 60% in his home territory—a significant setback for the incumbent.

Awany conceded defeat and pledged to work with Anyati but maintained his intention to contest the Kole South seat in 2026. However, he accused four Kole MPs of openly backing his opponent.

The announcement was made by the NRM Kole District Registrar, Joseph Ogwal Oyuku, who confirmed that Anyati secured 231 votes against Awany’s 96.