By Bazio Doreen

Adjumani, Uganda | January 2026 — Hon. John Anyanzo Ambayo has been elected Local Council Five (LCV) Chairperson of Adjumani District after a highly competitive campaign and voting process in the 2026 local government elections. Ambayo’s victory signals a new leadership phase for the district, with fresh promises around governance, development, and service delivery.

According to final results released by the Adjumani District Returning Officer, Christine Akao, Hon. Ambayo garnered 33,289 votes to top the race, compared with 29,061 votes for incumbent Hon. Anyama, who ran as an independent candidate following his loss in the ruling party’s primary contest. The margin of roughly 4,200 votes illustrated how tightly fought the contest was and reflected robust participation by local voters.

Profiles of Key Challengers

Hon. John Anyanzo Ambayo (Winner)

Ambayo, a seasoned local politician and former district speaker, built his campaign on a platform of unity, strengthened district governance, and alignment with national development programmes. His leadership credentials draw on years of engagement in local affairs and deep networks within municipal and party structures.

Hon. Ben Anyama (Incumbent)

The outgoing LCV chair, Ben Anyama, had previously overseen the district’s administration, emphasizing improvements in basic services and infrastructure. After losing the NRM nomination, he pursued an independent bid, attracting significant support from voters satisfied with his service record. Anyama’s decision to concede and call for a peaceful transition helped to moderate post-election tensions.

Richard AP Akuku (NRM Primary Contender)

Akuku, another party stalwart, contested the NRM primary alongside Anyama and Ambayo. Though he did not secure the nomination, his involvement in the race helped shape key policy discussions, particularly around youth engagement and inclusive governance.

A fourth potential contender, Solomon Agwe, had initially entered the race but withdrew before the NRM primary and endorsed Ambayo, citing concerns over governance under the incumbent. Agwe’s endorsement helped sharpen Ambayo’s profile among certain voter groups.

NRM Primaries: A Crucial Stepping Stone

The road to the general election began with the NRM party primaries in mid-2025. In that contest, Ambayo emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the LCV chairperson position, defeating both Anyama and Akuku in a spirited internal race. Despite occasional tensions and isolated reports of clashes during the primaries, the process marked a key early test of organizational support for the candidates.

The primaries themselves were a microcosm of local political dynamics, with heightened interest from party members and observers. The results provided a platform for Ambayo to mobilize broader support in the general election and underscored shifting patterns within the district’s political landscape.

Contrast with the Outgoing Leadership

Interestedly, Anyama’s tenure focused on consolidating district systems and delivering infrastructure projects. His independent bid after losing the NRM ticket underlined both his local support base and the complexities of party politics at the grassroots.

On the other hand, Ambayo’s mandate centres on institutional collaboration and stronger synergy between local government and national development priorities. His victory also reflects deeper party organization strength and suggests confidence among key constituencies in his vision.

Voter Engagement and Turnout

With nearly 99,000 registered voters across Adjumani’s nine sub-counties and two town councils, the LCV election saw a significant level of participation and competitive campaigning. Prior to the vote, observers reported heightened security presence amid concerns over bribery and sporadic violence, underscoring the stakes involved in local governance contests.

In contrast to previous electoral periods, the 2026 cycle has also mirrored national trends in voter mobilization, with substantial engagement across both presidential and local government races. According to national summaries, President Yoweri Museveni was re-elected with 71% of the national vote in the concurrent general election — a result that set the broader political tone across districts like Adjumani.

Looking Ahead: Priorities and Expectations

As Hon. Anyanzo prepares to take office, priorities among constituents include improving health service delivery, expanding rural infrastructure, and deepening collaboration between district authorities and central government agencies. Civil society groups and local leaders have emphasized the importance of accountability and inclusive governance, urging the new administration to translate campaign promises into measurable outcomes.

The transition from an independent-aligned incumbent to an NRM-backed chairperson also raises questions about the future role of party structures in local development planning and resource mobilization — a theme that will likely shape political discourse in Adjumani through the next term.

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