Opio, Obote shared 12% as Elem wins UPC flag for Moroto County

In the UPC primaries for Moroto County, Alebtong district, Leo Elem emerged victorious with a landslide 87.7% of the votes, while his opponents, Kennedy Obote and Denis Opio Eila, shared just 12.3%.

Obote secured 8% and Opio trailing at 4.3% of the total votes.

Denis Opio Eila, a former NRM aspirant for Moroto County in the 2021 general elections, crossed to UPC in 2024 hoping to gain support from party president Jimmy Micheal Akena Obote. However, he managed only 4.3% in the primaries.

The results were declared at 11 pm on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Alebtong District Council Hall. Simon Ojok Daniel, the UPC electoral commission officer overseeing the primaries for Moroto County MP, announced Leo Elem—Principal of St. Gracious Schools, Lira—as the newly elected UPC flag bearer.

Ojok stated that the election was free and fair, with Elem securing 2,481 votes (87.7%), followed by Kennedy Obote with 194 votes (8%), and Denis Opio Eila with 109 votes (4.3%).

The three candidates had contested for the UPC ticket ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Speaking to journalists after his victory, Elem thanked party leaders for organizing a transparent primary, describing it as a test of integrity and public support. “In school, we call this kind of election a test for pupils,” he remarked.

Elem also expressed gratitude to the UPC delegates for their trust, urging them to maintain their support through the general elections. “This is true love, and I encourage you to stand with me until we secure victory in 2026,” he said.

Confident in his vision for Moroto County, Elem vowed to challenge rival parties, including NRM, FDC, and NUP. “I have come to pass, not to lose. The people of Moroto have entrusted the flag to the right person,” he declared.

Since entering politics, Elem’s influence has grown steadily, outperforming even the incumbent MP in grassroots engagement. His strong community initiatives have positioned him as a formidable contender.

The current MP for Moroto County, Samuel Okwir Odwee of the NRM, now faces a tough re-election battle, with analysts predicting a potential loss to Elem in the 2026 polls.