In a dramatic political upset, Samuel Ediau has finally unseated longtime incumbent and Minister of State for works, Musa Francis Ecweru, in the hotly contested National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries for Amuria County.
Ediau, a former Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) member who defected to the ruling NRM party less than two years ago, secured a stunning victory with 29,352 votes, defeating Ecweru who polled 19,977 votes.
The result marks the end of Ecweru’s long dominance in Amuria politics and signals a shift in grassroots support in the district.
Ediau’s journey to this moment has been one of persistence and resilience.
After several unsuccessful attempts to challenge Ecweru under UPC, his defection to NRM proved a strategic masterstroke, enabling him to build new alliances and appeal to the ruling party’s support base.
“This victory belongs to the people of Amuria,” Ediau told jubilant supporters shortly after the announcement.
“They have spoken loudly and clearly, and I am honored to be entrusted with this mandate. I promise to unite our community and fight for development for every corner of this district.”
Meanwhile, in the NRM primaries for the District Woman MP seat, Margret Etilu, daughter of the late Soroti City Tycoon Etilu, secured a resounding win with 44,622 votes, dwarfing her rivals by a significant margin.
Her closest challenger, Abeja Sarah Specioza, garnered 11,958 votes, followed by Ajore Ann Grace with 8,952. Other contenders trailed far behind, Adecho Elizabeth (332), Apolot Proscovia (459), and Aliamo Eunice (93).
Etilu’s win is being celebrated as a powerful continuation of her late father’s political legacy.
She has been applauded for running a campaign rooted in humility, service, and the promise to empower women and youth.
“I dedicate this win to my late father who taught me that leadership is about people, not positions,” Etilu said amid chants from her supporters. “I will ensure that Amuria women and youth get the attention they deserve.”
In Orungo County, the NRM primaries produced yet another celebration for fresh faces as Teddy Osire Anyuk emerged victorious with 9,975 votes, comfortably defeating Amali Solomon who polled 7,804, and Abraham Opio who managed only 240 votes.
Anyuk, an energetic community mobilizer, pledged to champion improved healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“This victory is not mine alone,” she told the press. “It is a victory for every mother, youth, and farmer who has longed for change.”
The outcomes in Amuria are being seen as a generational shift and a rejection of long-serving political figures in favor of new, energetic and community-rooted leaders.
With the NRM party expected to carry strong momentum into the 2026 general elections, the primary victories of Ediau, Etilu, and Anyuk are likely to reshape Amuria’s political dynamics for years to come.
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Orungo is now going to Bukedea because Ayuk is married in Bukedea District
Gen Jeje is back in action, our man no change, our man no change