National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Judas Thadeo Wanyama has been elected Eastern Region Youth Member of Parliament following a decisive victory over five contenders in elections held at the Islamic University in Uganda.
Wanyama polled 1,174 votes, securing a clear majority of the ballots cast.
He was followed by Timothy Kivunike Kadaga, who garnered 497 votes, while independent candidate Emanuel Omaria received 438 votes.
Other candidates trailed far behind, with Ivan Masawi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) polling 19 votes, Simon Wandukwa of the National Unity Platform (NUP) securing nine votes, and independent candidate Josephine Nambozo also posting a low tally.
The election attracted delegates from across the Eastern Region and was initially marked by low voter turnout in the morning hours, as some delegates arrived late from distant districts.
However, participation improved as the day progressed, with more than 2,000 delegates expected to take part.
Wanyama's victory extends NRM's hold on the Eastern Region Youth MP slot, positioning him to represent youth interests in Parliament, with expectations centred on youth employment, skills development and increased participation of young people in national decision-making.
Wanyama was officially declared winner by the Kira Regional Election Manager, Deo Natukunda, who said voter turnout stood at 95 per cent.
