Alebtong, Uganda | Government Chief Whip and National Resistance Movement (NRM) Regional Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Denis Hamson Obua, has dismissed claims that he intends to withdraw community projects and donations following his loss in the Ajuri County parliamentary race, saying everything he gave to the people will remain in public use.
Obua, the incumbent Ajuri County Member of Parliament, lost the seat to UPC’s Fred Jalameso by a narrow margin of about 700 votes, despite securing the support of more than 15,000 voters.
Speaking on Sunday during a thanksgiving prayer ceremony at Amindit village in Abako Sub-county, Alebtong District, Obua said the event was organised to thank God for the opportunity to serve, and to appreciate the people of Ajuri County for the trust they placed in him over the years.
“As a Christian and a believer, I know that leadership comes from God. This thanksgiving prayer was organised to thank God for the season, the time and the opportunity I had to serve the people of Ajuri County, and to thank the people who entrusted me with leadership,” Obua said.
He thanked the thousands of voters who supported his candidature and expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for the opportunity to serve in government, noting that his loss does not diminish his commitment to public service.
“From now on, I will continue serving my country, Northern Uganda, Lango and Alebtong in my capacity as the NRM Regional Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda,” he said.
Obua also commended voters in Northern Uganda for what he described as overwhelming support for President Museveni, saying the NRM presidential candidate secured over 80 percent of the vote across all districts in the region.
Addressing questions about the Ajuri election, Obua said while the campaign period had largely been peaceful, he remains suspicious of “invisible hands” within and outside the party, though he declined to provide details.
“The people of Ajuri know my record of service. In all the terms I have served, it is this last term that people openly talk about as a period when real work was done. But in all this, it is the will of God that has prevailed, and that is what we are thanking God for today,” he said.
He dismissed concerns that his loss could divide the ruling party in Northern Uganda, insisting that the NRM remains strong, united and firmly rooted in the region.
“In every battle, there are sacrifices. Even in a revolution, sometimes it hits its own. But overall, we have won. We campaigned with the President in Lango, Acholi, West Nile and beyond, and the people of Uganda voted,” Obua said.
Projects to Remain
Responding to rumours that he plans to reclaim projects and equipment donated during his tenure, Obua flatly rejected the claims.
“I have completely no idea of taking away anything I donated to the community. The ambulance will remain, the hospital beds will remain, the boreholes I repaired will remain, and the roads I worked on using my own resources will remain,” he said.
Obua highlighted his key achievements as MP, including the donation of an ambulance, provision of beds to all health centres, repair of boreholes and water facilities, personal funding of feeder road rehabilitation through hired machinery, and support to churches and community institutions.
“I will not go back to churches or communities to ask for anything I gave. I am not a leader who acts on emotion. I am guided by principles that are godly in nature,” he added.
Leadership Beyond Parliament
Responding to claims that he has no life outside politics, Obua said he previously served in State House, from where he resigned to join elective politics. He added that leadership has defined his life from an early age.
“Having lost does not mean I am no longer a leader. I am still in leadership, serving the entire region of Northern Uganda,” he said.
On speculation about a possible comeback in 2031, Obua said it was too early to discuss future political ambitions.
“We shall cross that bridge when we get there. For now, let us wish the new leader good luck in his service to the people of Ajuri County,” he said.
Obua reaffirmed his commitment to serve at all levels — village, parish, sub-county, district, region and nation — describing himself as a positive, progressive leader who believes everything happens for a reason.
