Adjumani – National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate James Leku Pilli has been declared the new Member of Parliament for Adjumani West Constituency after a decisive victory in Thursday’s by-election.
Leku Pilli polled 12,423 votes, representing roughly 83 percent of the valid votes cast, according to results announced by Adjumani Electoral District Returning Officer Eunice Christine Akao. Independent candidate Gasper Draga finished a distant second with 2,559 votes.
The declaration was made at 8:31 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Adjumani District Council Hall after results from all 114 polling stations were tallied. A total of 14,982 valid votes were recorded, with 234 ballot papers rejected and 19 spoiled. Only 15,216 voters turned out of the 51,437 registered, representing a turnout of about 29.6 percent.
Leku Pilli will take the seat left vacant by the death of Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali on July 18, 2026. Ali, a long-serving NRM politician and former First Deputy Prime Minister, had represented the constituency for decades.
Speaking after the results, Leku Pilli thanked voters and pledged to prioritise key infrastructure projects, including the construction of Laropi Bridge across the River Nile, the elevation of Adjumani Town Council to municipality status, and the upgrading of Ciforo Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV. He also promised to lobby for a university in Adjumani named after the late Gen Ali.
President Yoweri Museveni, who is also NRM national chairman, had campaigned for Leku Pilli in the constituency days before the vote, urging residents to support the ruling party candidate for continued development and unity. The President also welcomed the decision by some former rivals, including Ben Anyama, to back Leku after the NRM primaries.
The by-election was relatively calm, with the Uganda Human Rights Commission reporting peaceful polling. However, the low turnout has drawn comments from observers, who noted that many registered voters stayed away despite the high stakes.
Leku Pilli’s win ensures the NRM retains the Adjumani West seat in the 12th Parliament. He is expected to be sworn in shortly.
The victory comes as Uganda continues to hold several by-elections following the death or resignation of sitting members. Political analysts say the result reinforces NRM dominance in West Nile, though the modest voter participation raises questions about public engagement in such contests.
Trending UG will continue to follow developments as Leku Pilli prepares to take up his new role.