By Our Reporter
KATAKWI
In a significant development for Katakwi District, Vice President Jessica Alupo has been declared the unopposed Woman Member of Parliament following the withdrawal of independent candidate Angella Anuken from the race.
This marks a historic moment, as Alupo is the first candidate to be elected unopposed since the district was established in 1997.
The announcement of Anuken’s withdrawal came on Wednesday evening, 24th December, 2025 from the Electoral Commission’s returning officer for Katakwi District, Stephen Makubuya, who confirmed Alupo’s unopposed status amidst a festive atmosphere.
Makubuya explained that Anuken’s decision aligns with section 36 of the parliamentary elections act, which permits candidates to withdraw.
Earlier this year, the NRM District Electoral Commission declared Alupo the party’s flag bearer after she secured an impressive 84,944 votes, representing 88.8%, easily surpassing Anuken, who received 5,704 votes. Other contenders in the race included Viola Akurut Adome and Cecilia Anyakoit, who garnered 4,828 and 139 votes, respectively.
In a media address following her unopposed declaration, Alupo expressed her gratitude to all the candidates she has competed with in previous elections. She commended them for their political maturity and for fostering a spirit of collaboration.
Alupo reiterated her commitment to collaborating closely with NRM leaders and the government to provide essential services to the people of Katakwi and all Ugandans.
She emphasized the importance of prioritizing service delivery in areas such as peace and security, education, health, and infrastructure.
Additionally, she noted that the government would continue to focus resources on programs aimed at wealth and job creation, urging everyone to embrace a mindset geared towards productivity.
“The wealth creation programs, including PDM, emyooga, women fund, youth fund, disability grants, and elderly grants, are designed to help all Ugandans enter the money economy,” she stated.
As for the candidates still campaigning, Alupo wished them peace, success, and unity, pledging to continue her efforts in the district to mobilize support for the NRM party and President Museveni.
Alupo shared that they successfully helped secure positions for most of the district woman MP candidates from this election and previous ones.
For instance, Akurut is now part of the PDM secretariat in the Ministry of Local Government, overseeing Eastern Uganda. Clare Apuno has taken on a directorial role at NARO, while Stella Jane Aguti serves as a community service officer with the Gender Ministry, and Anyakoit is at the National Council of Sports. Alupo also expressed her commitment to finding a job for Anuken.
She emphasized that candidates should view each other as allies rather than rivals, as working together post-election can lead to greater success for everyone involved.
Alupo is one of about five NRM district woman MP candidates who were elected unopposed, joining others like Speaker Annet Anita Among (Bukedea), Phiona Nyamutoro (Nebbi), Lilian Paparu Obiale (Arua), Ruth Rujoki Mushabe (Kiruhura), and Jeniva Arinaitwe (Rubirizi).
Having served as vice president since June 2021, Alupo has also recently been re-elected unopposed as the chairperson of Ongongoja Sub County and the Katakwi district NRM Veterans League.
Calvin Echodu, the National NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, acknowledged that this is a significant moment for NRM in Katakwi and Teso, expressing gratitude for her exemplary leadership and highlighting that today’s turnout reflects the strong trust and belief in her leadership from the community.
John Robert Okiror, the district NRM Chairperson, praised Alupo for her unopposed election after Anuken’s respectful withdrawal, emphasizing her dedication to both the people of Katakwi and NRM leadership, and encouraging her to rally support for the president and fellow candidates during this pivotal time.
Alupo is a notable figure in Uganda’s political landscape, recognized for her contributions as a politician, educator, and former military officer.
In Katakwi’s political history, it’s rare for elected MPs to serve more than two terms, unless their contributions to the community are truly outstanding. This insight comes from Vincent Xavier Okwii, one of the longest-serving LC3 Chairpersons and now the Deputy RDC.
From 2011 to 2016, Alupo held the position of Minister of Education within the Ugandan cabinet. Additionally, she serves as an elected member of parliament, representing the women of Katakwi District.
Recently, she made history by becoming Uganda’s second female vice president, following in the footsteps of Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, after receiving her appointment from President Museveni and approval from the August House.
