The thanksgiving service, attended by politicians and community leaders, was led by the Bishop of Lango diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, who praised Obua for his maturity and humility.
Denis Hamson Obua, the outgoing Ajuri County MP and Government Chief Whip, has taken an unusual path after losing his seat – hosting a thanksgiving prayer at his home. Despite criticism and speculation, Obua chose to focus on gratitude, describing his loss as part of God’s will and an opportunity for reflection.
“I will still serve my party and country as NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda,” Obua said, emphasizing his commitment to public service. He also urged supporters to wish the new leader, Fred Jalameso, well and focus on unity.
The thanksgiving service, attended by politicians and community leaders, was led by the Bishop of Lango diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, who praised Obua for his maturity and humility.
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“Giving thanks does not mean running away from pain, but turning to God to discern the next chapter,” Bp. Olwa said.
In a statement, Obua thanked voters for the opportunity to serve and pledged to continue serving Uganda, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), and the people of northern Uganda outside elective politics.
As news of his loss spread, Obua became the subject of public ridicule, with critics questioning how a sitting Government Chief Whip could fail to retain his seat.
“You know that in every battle, there are always sacrifices that some commanders make. You have seen from the time the NRA came into power, some fought but did not live to see the light of day. So, it is the same.” Obua emphasized that losing the election would not change his relationship with the community, saying all development projects he supported—including schools, health facilities, roads, and an ambulance—will remain for the people.
Obua lost the Ajuri County parliamentary race by a narrow margin of about 700 votes, polling 15,568 votes in a tense election that saw the Electoral Commission conduct a repeat poll in 18 polling stations.
His opponent, Fred Jalameso, who won the race with 16,336 votes, had earlier accused Obua of election malpractice—claims that heightened political pressure on one of the ruling party’s most senior figures in Parliament.
Political voices from across the divide attended the Thanksgiving. Former Aruu County MP Samuel Odonga Otto described Obua as a disciplined and exceptional leader whose loss should not be mistaken for failure. “He’s a very detailed person, he’s a very organized person, and he is a pusher. Can you imagine in 10 years, we have two secondary schools; one complete, one under construction—but in Ajuri, in five years, you have four secondary schools.”
Despite Obua’s qualities, Odonga Otto, who also lost his seat warned that the former MP must remain mentally engaged to survive five years outside Parliament.
Otto said the MP-elect will face significant pressure filling Obua’s shoes, citing the scale of investment and development projects initiated in Ajuri County.
Despite speculation about a possible political comeback in 2031, Obua dismissed the talk, saying the focus should now be on supporting the newly elected leader of Ajuri County. “On the question of 2031, we shall cross that bridge when we get there. For now, let us wish the new leader good luck.”
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