The Electoral Commission on Tuesday officially declared Okwera Richard Ojara as the winner of the Kitgum Municipality mayoral election, securing another five-year term after a closely contested race.
Okwera, running as an Independent, polled 4,625 votes, representing 49.97 percent of the total valid votes cast, thereby retaining the mayoral seat for the 2026–2031 term.
According to the final results announced by Atim Betty Owot, the returning officer Kitgum district, Oyoo Morish Santo of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) emerged second with 3,309 votes (35.75 percent).
Raymond Ocan of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) followed with 788 votes (8.51 percent).
Other contenders included Toroma Walter Livings (Independent) with 262 votes (2.83 percent), Ongee Marino Lol (Independent) with 92 votes (0.99 percent), Komakech Geoffrey (Independent) with 80 votes (0.86 percent), Komakech John Ogwok of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) with 60 votes (0.65 percent), and Opika Opoka Peter of the Democratic Party (DP) with 40 votes (0.43 percent).
Election statistics released by the Electoral Commission indicate that a total of 9,256 valid votes were cast. The commission also recorded 121 rejected ballot papers, five spoiled ballot papers, bringing the total number of ballot papers counted to 9,377.
The voter turnout reflected a competitive election, with residents actively participating in choosing their municipal leadership. In her declaration, the returning officer, Atim Betty Owot, confirmed that Okwera Richard Ojara had met all the legal requirements and had obtained the highest number of valid votes.
“By the powers vested in me under the Electoral Commission Act, I hereby declare Okwera Richard Ojara duly elected Mayor of Kitgum Municipality for the 2026–2031 term,” the officer stated.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Okwera thanked voters for renewing their trust in his leadership. He pledged to focus on service delivery, urban development, and youth employment.
“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to the people of Kitgum Municipality. I remain committed to improving roads, sanitation, and creating opportunities for our young people,” he said.
Voters across the municipality expressed mixed reactions following the declaration. Akello Susan, a Voter from the Pager Division, said she voted for continuity.
She added that she supported Okwera because she has seen some improvements in town roads and street lighting and she wants Ojara to complete what he started.
However, others called for inclusive leadership. Okot James, a first-time voter, noted, “The competition was stiff, and many people supported other candidates. The mayor should now work with everyone, including those who did not vote for him.”
Odong Patrick, an FDC supporter urged accountability, saying although their candidate did not win, the issues raised during campaigns, like garbage management and unemployment, must be addressed.
With the results now finalised, attention shifts to governance as residents look forward to the new term, hopeful that the elected leadership will address the pressing challenges facing Kitgum Municipality.