Uganda: Opendi Clinches NRM Flag in Tororo After Contested Three-Day Tallying Exercise

19 July 2025
Nile Post (Kampala)
By David Ochieng

The tense and drawn-out process of tallying results for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Woman Member of Parliament primaries in Tororo District has finally concluded, with Sarah Achieng Opendi declared the official party flag bearer.

The announcement came today after nearly three days marked by disputes, protests, and a forced vote recount.

Tensions flared when results from the Tororo County branch office, scheduled to be merged with those from the main tally center, were delayed--raising suspicions among candidates and their supporters.

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Once the figures arrived, Opendi's rivals, led by Phoebe Otaala, accused the tally center of manipulating results in Opendi's favor and demanded a fresh recount.

The Electoral Commission postponed the process to address these grievances. During today's re-tally, Opendi maintained a commanding lead, receiving 65,720 votes compared to Otaala's 29,536.

Following the confirmation, she was officially declared the NRM flag bearer.

Speaking to the media after her victory, Opendi criticized district electoral officials for longstanding bias against her but praised the NRM Secretariat for deploying party officials to oversee the process and ensure transparency.

"I thank the Secretariat for standing firm and ensuring this election was conducted fairly despite the challenges," she said.

Opendi, who topped a field of over 11 women candidates, extended an olive branch to her competitors, urging unity ahead of the general elections.

"I call on all those I competed with to join me as we defend the party's flag. But should they choose not to, I am ready to face any of them and win," she added confidently.

This victory marks the first time Opendi has been officially declared winner within the district tallying process.

In the 2021 NRM primaries, she placed second behind Jacinta Ayo but successfully petitioned the outcome, prompting intervention by the NRM Secretariat that eventually endorsed her.

Her win sets the stage for another political contest as she seeks to retain the Tororo Woman MP seat in the 2026 general elections.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

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