Kole, Uganda – Seven incumbent Members of Parliament from the Lango Sub-region, including the Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, Hon. Judith Alyek, may lose their seats permanently after suffering defeat in the recently concluded NRM party primaries.
The MPs who lost their party flag include:
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Judith Alyek (Kole District Woman MP)
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Dorcas Acen (Alebtong District Woman MP)
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Moses Ogwal Goli (Dokolo North County)
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James Olobo Dubai (Kyoga North County, Amolatar District)
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Tony Ayoo (Kwania County, Kwania District)
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Christine Akello (aka “Gwoka Adako”) (Erute North, Lira District)
As of this report, disappointment, sorrow, and emotional reactions—such as switching off phones and avoiding the media—have swept through the constituencies of the losing MPs. Many of them had been regarded as strong incumbents but suffered unexpected and dramatic defeats.
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, one of the female MPs was reportedly seen in tears after losing by a wide margin. In frustration, she allegedly cursed her constituents, claiming they “ate over Shs 400 million” from her campaign but gave her no return in votes. She also blamed herself for wasting time campaigning during the primaries.
Why They Lost: Voters Speak Out
In Dokolo North County, Hon. Moses Ogwal Goli garnered only 4,915 votes. According to residents, he lost because he frequently ignored calls from constituents and was seen as detached and aloof.
In Kwania County, Hon. Tony Ayoo lost with 7,253 votes to newcomer Eron Tony, who secured 7,732 votes. Voters described Eron as “young blood” and an active NRM cadre who better connected with grassroots voters.
In Kole District, Hon. Judith Alyek, the chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, also lost to a younger NRM candidate. Voters cited her perceived disconnection from Kole, especially after allegedly “marrying into another district,” making her seem less relevant to local issues. Others criticized her for rarely answering calls or engaging with constituents.
In Amolatar District, James Olobo Dubai received 7,344 votes, losing to Okodo Peter, who secured 10,570 votes (approximately 54.2%). When contacted, Olobo declined to confirm or deny whether he would contest as an independent candidate.
In Erute North, Christine Akello Gwoka Adako lost to Ongom Patrick Aregedeng. Residents of Ogur and Agweng sub-counties told The Ankole Times that Akello had long been “media-unfriendly” and disconnected from community affairs.
Uncertain Political Futures
With these losses, the political future of these MPs hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen whether any will attempt a comeback as independent candidates in the 2026 general elections, but for now, the electorate in Lango appears to have opted for change.
