Karamoja Shakeup: 12 Incumbent MPs Ousted in Historic 2026 Elections.
By Okidi Patrick
ABIM, UGANDA — January 22, 2026: The Karamoja sub-region witnessed a seismic political realignment in Uganda’s parliamentary elections held on January 15, 2026, as voters across the region ousted 12 sitting MPs, including prominent incumbents. The electoral dust-up signaled a growing rejection of long-standing political strongholds and a demand for accountability, improved governance, and fresh leadership, marking one of the most transformative electoral outcomes in the region’s recent history.
Abim: A Double Upset
In Abim District, two incumbent MPs were unseated, delivering a stark message to the region’s political establishment. Woman MP Janet Akech Okorimoe lost to Joyce Makamoe Ayoo, while Labwor County MP Jimbricky Ochero Noman was defeated by former MP Michael Ayepa, who returned to politics to cap off a surprising upset.
Nabilatuk and Karenga:
In Nabilatuk District, Woman MP Sylvia Awas was ousted by Emma Lokubal, though Pian County MP Remigio Achia retained his seat. Meanwhile, Karenga District saw a major shift as Philip Lokwang of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) lost his Napore West seat to independent candidate Fidelis Loluk Logwee, a rare victory for a non-partisan in the region.
Nakapiripirit: Ministers on the Brink
Nakapiripirit District delivered two of the night’s most dramatic reversals. Chekwii East MP and Minister Peter Lokeris Teko was defeated by Stephenson Yoyo Lokoru, while Chekwii County MP Moses Aleper fell to Simon Peter Longoli. The ouster of a serving minister underscored voters’ frustration with perceived underperformance.
Kaabong: Women’s Representation at Stake
Kaabong District also saw historic changes, with Woman MP Christine Tubo Nakwang losing to Cathy Achia and Dodoth East MP Emmanuel “Nataya” Komol defeated by Peter Pex Paak. However, Ik County MP Hillary Lokwang and Dodoth North MP Joseph Komol Midi retained their seats in a partial reprieve for incumbents.
Kotido: Independence and New Faces
Kotido District registered its own wave of change. Jie County MP Peter Abrahams Lokii was unseated by Gabriel Achia, and Woman MP Margaret Achilla Aleper lost to Nuria Hasfa Teko. Ismail Mohammed Lomwar, however, held onto his Kotido Municipality seat.
Napak: Survivors and Sudden Losses
In Napak District, Bokora County MP John Bosco Ngoya fell to Emmanuel Ilukol, but Woman MP Faith Nakut and Bokora East MP Peter Ken Lochap held their ground, illustrating the mixed fortunes across the region.
Moroto: The Island of Stability
Moroto District stood out as the only jurisdiction where all incumbent MPs retained their seats. Francis Adome Lorika (Moroto Municipality), Stella Atyang (Woman MP), John Baptist Lokii (Matheniko), and Albert Lokoru (Tepeth) all secured re-election, highlighting the district’s relative stability.
Amudat: A Shift in Leadership
Amudat District saw the removal of Woman MP Betty Louke Chalain, defeated by Rapina Chepakasina, though Upe County MP Micah Lolem Akasile retained his seat, offering a glimmer of continuity in a district otherwise marked by upheaval.
Broader Implications
Political analysts suggest the results reflect a broader trend of voter fatigue with entrenched political figures and a desire for tangible improvements in service delivery, infrastructure, and security in Karamoja, a region long grappling with development challenges. The landslide re-election of Moroto’s MPs may indicate that stability and performance can still sway voters—if other districts offer a viable blueprint.
As Karamoja prepares for its new crop of legislators, the 2026 elections have underscored the power of the ballot to reshape political landscapes in one of Uganda’s most historically underrepresented regions. The message from voters is clear: accountability and results are no longer optional.
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