Politics 15 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Adjumani West MP Race Heats Up After Withdrawals
The Adjumani West parliamentary by-election has narrowed to a two-candidate race following several withdrawals, setting the stage for a contest between the NRM flag-bearer and an independent candidate to succeed the late Gen. Moses Ali. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/post-gen-ali-s-era-withdrawals-reshape-adjumani-west-mp-race-5596056
The race for the Adjumani West parliamentary seat, left vacant by the passing of General Moses Ali, has significantly transformed in the days leading up to the September 17 by-election. What initially appeared to be a multi-candidate field has now consolidated into a direct confrontation between two prominent figures.
National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate James Leku Pili, a former district chairman, is set to face independent contender Gasper Draga. Several other nominated candidates have reportedly withdrawn from the race, narrowing the choices for voters and intensifying the focus on this central contest.
The seat became available following Gen. Ali’s death on July 18. His long tenure in national politics left a significant void, and the selection of his successor is a matter of considerable interest in the West Nile region. The NRM had initially nominated six individuals, including Mr. Ben Anyama, Mr. Nixon Owole, Mr. James Pilli Leku, Mr. Justine Mawadri, Mr. Richard Madrara Obuni, and Mr. Daniel Izale.
However, with the withdrawals, the election is now largely framed as a choice between the ruling party’s nominee and Draga, an independent candidate. This development sets the stage for a potentially tight electoral battle as both candidates vie to represent Adjumani West in Parliament and carry forward the legacy of the region’s political landscape.