Court Orders Fresh Elections in Aruu County, Odonga Otto’s Rival Thrown out of Parliament

High Court sitting in Gulu has annulled Aruu County Parliamentary election results kicking incumbent Member of Parliament Christopher Komaketch out.

The ruling was issued by Justice Tadeo Asiimwe on Friday morning, two days after the final hearing which happened on Tuesday August 17th.

“After going through harassment during campaigns, detaining my car for 90 days, remand to Gulu prison, going to Nairobi hospital after poison; Justice Asiimwe Tadeo nullifies Aruu elections. I see Gods hands through him. I am all in tears,” a joyous Odonga Otto posted on Twitter.

Otto had lost to Independent Christopher Komaketch who won the election with 9796 elections beating competition from six other contestants.

Otto who was running on the ticket of Uganda Economic Party came second with 6,199 votes followed by National Resistance Movement  – NRM’s Hellen Aceng in third place.

National Unity Platform – NUP’s Charles Ochora scored 300 votes, Forum for Democratic Change – FDC’s Justine Odong garnered 164 votes, Democratic Party – DP’s Okello Denis Godwins garnered 150 votes while Alliance for National Transformation – ANT’s David Livingstone Odong came last with only 70 votes.

Despite the Electoral Commission’s declarations, Odonga Otto who has continuously represented Aruu County since 2001 rushed to court seeking to nullify the election saying it was marred with irregularities.

Justice Asiimwe’s decision means a fresh election will be held in Aruu County.

Moses Kayigwa