Alebtong, Uganda | Former Aruu County Member of Parliament Samuel Odonga Otto has insisted that he won the recently concluded parliamentary election, alleging that the results were manipulated in favour of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate.
Speaking at Amindit Village in Abako Sub-county, Alebtong District, on January 2, during a thanksgiving prayer organised by the Government Chief Whip and Ajuri County MP, Denis Hamson Obua, Odonga Otto claimed he defeated NRM’s Christopher Komakech by more than 800 votes.
“I am waiting, but it is totally unacceptable because I won that election with over 800 votes and the results were manipulated,” Odonga Otto said. “I learnt a lesson after 49 years in politics. When there are only two candidates, it is very risky. Next time, if you are two in the race, sponsor a third candidate.”
Odonga Otto alleged that his polling agents signed declaration forms that were later handed over to his opponent, allowing the results to be altered.
He further claimed—without naming the agents—that each received Shs1.2 million.
“If there were three candidates, it would have been difficult to gather all the agents. My opponent filled in whatever results he needed,” he alleged.
Odonga Otto said he is preparing to file an election petition, arguing that he was denied a mandatory recount, which he described as a legal requirement that was unlawfully refused.
Earlier, the Pader Chief Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Martin Kirya, dismissed Odonga Otto’s application seeking a recount of the January 15 parliamentary election.
In that application, Mr Odonga cited alleged ballot stuffing and wrongful invalidation of ballots cast in his favour at several polling stations.
The Electoral Commission (EC) declared Komakech the winner after he garnered 10,455 votes, narrowly defeating Odonga Otto, who obtained 10,429 votes, a margin of 26 votes.
However, the court dismissed the recount request on grounds that some of the voting materials presented had been tampered with, compromising the integrity of any recount process.
Odonga Otto said he is awaiting the official gazettement of Members of Parliament before filing a substantive election petition, which he said could result in a re-election.
“I will file the petition on one ground—that I was denied a mandatory recount. Mandatory means mandatory,” he said. “Unfortunately, it will call for a re-election. I cannot ask court to declare me the winner.”
He added that while the respondent may appeal and continue to enjoy parliamentary benefits, he remains confident that justice will prevail.
“They may run, but they cannot hide. They may delay me, but they will not stop me,” Odonga Otto said.
Odonga Otto also alleged that his defeat was partly influenced by opposition from the Balaalo community, though no immediate response was available from the Electoral Commission or Mr Komakech by press time.
SOURCE: FMU
