Katakwi Decides Early as Vice President Alupo Declared Unopposed Ahead of 2026 Polls

Uganda’s Vice President, Rtd Maj. Jessica Alupo Rose Epel, has secured a decisive victory even before polling day after being officially declared unopposed for the Katakwi District Woman’s Member of Parliament seat, following the withdrawal of her only remaining challenger.

The declaration came on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, just days ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 General Elections, after Angella Anuken formally pulled out of the race, leaving Alupo as the sole candidate.

The announcement was made at the Katakwi District Electoral Commission offices by the District Returning Officer, Mr Stephen Makubuya, acting on behalf of the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byamakama. Makubuya confirmed that Anuken’s withdrawal had been duly communicated to the Commission earlier in the day and processed strictly in line with Electoral Commission regulations.

According to Makubuya, the completion of the withdrawal process effectively cleared the path for Alupo’s uncontested candidature, resulting in her automatic declaration as the duly elected Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District.

Following the announcement, Alupo expressed appreciation to the Electoral Commission for what she described as a transparent and professional electoral process. She also extended heartfelt gratitude to the people of Katakwi for the continued trust and confidence they have placed in her leadership.

In her remarks, the Vice President acknowledged what she termed “sisterly competition” from her former challengers, noting that several women who had previously shown interest in contesting the seat had since found opportunities to serve in government. She emphasized that their participation reflected the growing role of women in leadership and governance.

Alupo reaffirmed her commitment to championing development initiatives in Katakwi District and the wider Teso sub-region. She pledged to continue mobilising resources to support wealth-creation programmes targeting key groups, including youth, farmers, women, the elderly, and small-scale entrepreneurs, whom she identified as the backbone of the local economy.

Angella Anuken, who had earlier been nominated to contest for the Katakwi Woman MP seat, cited her inability to participate in the 2026 General Elections in a formal withdrawal letter addressed to the District Returning Officer. The contents of the letter were accepted by the Electoral Commission, bringing her candidature to an official close.

Alupo’s unopposed declaration follows her recent victory in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, where she defeated Violet Akurut Adome and Anuken. After the primaries, Anuken had initially indicated plans to return as an independent candidate before ultimately opting to withdraw.

The news of Alupo’s unchallenged victory triggered widespread celebrations across Katakwi District. Supporters poured into the streets and flooded social media platforms with congratulatory messages, while others marked the moment with chants, ululation, and traditional dances. The jubilant scenes underscored Alupo’s strong grassroots support and her enduring political influence in the region.

As the country edges closer to the 2026 General Elections, Alupo’s declaration unopposed stands as a significant political moment in Katakwi, reinforcing her stature as both a national leader and a trusted representative of her constituents.