Alebtong, Uganda | Outgoing Ajuri County Member of Parliament and Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, on Sunday organised a thanksgiving prayer at his home in Amindit Village, Awapiny Parish, Abako Subcounty, drawing thousands of residents, political leaders, and religious figures.
The thanksgiving came shortly after Obua conceded defeat to UPC candidate Fred Jalameso in the recently concluded parliamentary elections, in what leaders described as a rare show of political maturity and faith following an election loss.
Speaking at the ceremony, former Aruu County MP aspirant Samuel Odonga Otto said Africa’s democratic challenge is that voters often vote against leaders they dislike rather than for those they believe in.
He told the people of Ajuri that Obua had made Northern Uganda proud and should be commended for his development contributions across Lango.
Odonga Otto, who chaired the Parliamentary football team, said Obua captained the team to eight trophies during their time in Parliament.
He noted that democracy allows differing views, adding that even when one stands alone, they may still be right.
He cited his own narrow electoral loss by 26 votes as proof that defeat does not diminish leadership.
Kwania County MP Tonny Ayo, who also lost his seat, praised Obua for his role in mobilising support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, saying that during Obua’s tenure as NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, the President secured 82% of the vote in the region.
Ayo revealed that when vote tallies showed Obua trailing, Obua personally called him and his wife and urged them to respect the will of the people, describing the move as a sign of humility and statesmanship.
Presiding over the prayers, Lango Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa told leaders who lost elections that defeat is not final.
He commended Obua for choosing thanksgiving over bitterness, describing the act as a true expression of Christian faith.
The Bishop assured Obua of the Church’s support and urged leaders to remain productive and focused.
He preached from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, calling on believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
Also addressing the gathering, Bishop Tom Ibrahim of Elim Pentecostal Ministries (All Nations) appealed to the people of Lango to abandon jealousy and embrace unity as a pathway to development.
In his address, Obua thanked God and the people of Ajuri for the opportunity to serve them since the constituency’s creation in 2011.
He said his political journey, from a humble background to national leadership, was driven by faith and community support, noting that leadership ultimately comes from God.
He outlined achievements during his tenure, including the creation of new subcounties, expansion of electricity connections, increased secondary and seed schools, improved health facilities, provision of ambulances, agricultural mechanisation support, water projects, bridges, and solar lighting in urban centres.
Obua pledged to continue serving Uganda, Northern Uganda, Lango, Alebtong District, and Ajuri County despite losing his parliamentary seat.
Among those in attendance was Dokolo Resident District Commissioner Babra Aketch, a long-time associate of Obua.
The thanksgiving prayer blended faith, reflection, and reconciliation, setting a rare example of peaceful political transition following an electoral loss.
