By Ronald Odongo
The Uganda People’s Congress Party Candidate, Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, has been declared the winner of the Oyam North by-elections by the Electoral Commission.
Dr. Apio tallied a total of 15,718 votes, representing 49.12% of the total votes cast, according to the final results declared by the EC Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama.
While declaring the results, Justice Byabakama said total votes cast were 32,751, representing 36.10% of total registered voters, and invalid votes were 755.
EC declaration form
Electoral Commission (EC) declaration form or return form for transmission of results Courtesy photo
He described the Oyam North by-election as free and fair, in spite of the isolated incidents at Wanglobo Poling Station in Abok Sub County.
Dr. Apio (UPC) described her victory as a win well deserved for the people of Oyam, her party, and Lango in general.
She pledged to deliver her manifesto to lift the livelihoods of local residents.
The UPC party President, MP Jimmy Akena Obote, said that it wasn’t an easy win, and as the UPC party, they aim to go higher.
“I want to thank the team of Congressmen and women who came to the ground and secured the victory,” he said.
MP Akena described the contest as tough; they had to be extra vigilant, and some of the things were exposed by UPC.
According to Akena, the decision to impound their motorcycles by the security team delivered a large setback to their team since they were meant to protect and guard UPC votes.
“We had to come up with plan B around 3 a.m. on Thursday morning, which made it possible for us to deliver this victory. We are ready to go higher, and we shall keep on achieving victory,” MP Akena said.
Security had earlier confirmed the arrest of five UPC supporters, including the Apac UPC chairperson, for allegedly engaging in voter bribery.