Politics 3 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Leku Secures NRM Flag for Adjumani West By-election
James Leku, former district chairperson, has emerged as the NRM flag bearer for the Adjumani West Constituency following a closely contested primary election. The seat became vacant after the passing of Gen Moses Ali. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ex-chairman-leku-wins-nrm-flag-for-adjumani-west-by-election-5582990
James Leku has clinched the NRM party’s nomination for the upcoming Adjumani West parliamentary by-election. He emerged victorious over six other aspirants in a primary election held on Thursday, which utilized the lining-up method at 99 polling stations.
NRM District Registrar Amos Chandmale announced Leku as the winner, securing 9,336 votes, which accounted for 37.2 percent of the total. His nearest rival, Ben Anyama, garnered 9,152 votes, representing 36.4 percent of the votes cast.
The Adjumani West parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Gen Moses Ali on July 18, 2026. The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for September 17.
Key issues raised by candidates during their campaigns included the construction of the Laropi Bridge over the River Nile, which would connect Adjumani and Moyo districts, improving rural electricity access, and addressing poverty alleviation within the constituency.
Security was visible at polling stations, with a notable presence of police and UPDF personnel at Paridi Village. Despite the security, voter turnout was reported as low in some areas, with one polling station seeing only a fraction of its registered voters participate.
Among the other notable contenders in the NRM primaries were former RDC Nixon Owole and Kassim Ali, the son of the late Gen Moses Ali, who sought to carry on his father’s political legacy.
This victory positions James Leku as the NRM’s candidate to represent Adjumani West in Parliament, facing opposition from other parties in the general by-election.