Tensions continue to rise in Teso sub-region following the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, as yet another incumbent Member of Parliament, Anthony Alden Esenu, outrightly rejects the outcome of the recently concluded internal elections.
Esenu, who was seeking the NRM flag for Kapelebyong County MP seat, came a distant eighth in a crowded race dominated by incumbent district chairperson Francis Akorikin.
According to the official declaration results released by the NRM District Electoral Commission, Esenu garnered 867 votes, while Akorikin emerged victorious with 12,452 votes.
Other candidates received the following tallies: Jonah Onyoin got 1,883 votes, Francis Ajum 2,828 votes, Johnson Malinga 4,156 votes Maj Gen (Rtd) Joseph Arocha 6,277 votes, Patrick Okello 3,189 votes and James Okalinga 4,093 votes
Speaking to the press on Monday morning, Esenu categorically dismissed the results, describing the election as a “mockery of democracy” and alleging widespread irregularities that he claims compromised the integrity of the entire process.
“There was massive voter intimidation, vote buying, and organized rigging orchestrated the night before voting,” Esenu said.
“Money was distributed openly in villages. Some of our supporters were chased away from polling stations. This was not an election. It was a criminal operation disguised as democracy.”
Esenu further claimed that he has gathered credible evidence to support his allegations of electoral fraud and vowed to petition the NRM Electoral Commission and other relevant authorities, including the national party tribunal.
“I am putting together a petition to challenge this fraudulent exercise. Democracy should not be auctioned to the highest bidder,” he emphasized.
Despite the loss and apparent internal frustration with the party processes, Esenu remained defiant, stating that his political journey is far from over.
He declared that he will not step down or abandon his supporters and has resolved to run as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections.
“The people of Kapelebyong know my commitment to service. I am not giving up. The general election is where the true voice of the people will be heard, not through these manipulated party primaries,” he declared amidst cheers from a section of his supporters.
He urged the people of Kapelebyong to remain calm and focused on the long-term battle, asserting that change is still possible and that he will continue engaging with communities across the constituency.
“This is not about positions. It’s about giving Kapelebyong a leader who is transparent, accountable, and focused on development,” Esenu noted.
Esenu’s rejection of the results adds to a growing list of NRM aspirants across Teso sub-region who have expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s primary election outcomes.
Similar disputes have already been reported in other constituencies, raising concerns about internal unity within the ruling party ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Political observers say the increasing number of aggrieved aspirants may weaken NRM’s dominance in Teso, especially if independents like Esenu mount serious grassroots campaigns.
“The challenge for the NRM will now be managing post-primary fallout,” said political analyst Peter Emuron. “If candidates like Esenu go independent with significant support, it could split the NRM vote and open the door for opposition gains.”
Meanwhile, Francis Akorikin, the declared NRM flag bearer and front-runner, has not yet publicly responded to Esenu’s allegations.
Known for his administrative record as Kapelebyong District Chairperson, Akorikin’s candidacy is expected to carry weight heading into the general elections.
However, his silence amid growing controversy may eventually demand clarity from the party leadership.
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