Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua on Sunday held a thanksgiving prayer service at his home in Amindit Village, Abako Sub-county, Ajuri County, days after losing the recently concluded parliamentary elections. Obua, 45, was defeated by Fred Jalameso of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC).
The service was led by the Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Professor Alfred Olwa, who commended Obua for remaining composed and faithful following the election outcome. In his sermon, Bishop Olwa called on the public to respect leaders both during their time in office and after they leave leadership.
The Bishop also appreciated President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting Obua with key national responsibilities, urging the outgoing legislator to keep his life firmly anchored in Christ despite political transitions.
Speaking on behalf of Obua's friends, Samuel Odonga Otto praised Obua's character and dedication to public service.
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The service was attended by several leaders, including three Members of Parliament who also lost in the recent elections, underscoring a shared message of unity and resilience.
Addressing the congregation, Obua expressed gratitude to the people of Ajuri County for the opportunity to serve them for nearly two decades.
"I thank God and the people of Ajuri for giving me the opportunity to serve them for three consecutive terms," Obua said, quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which calls believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.
Obua highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the creation of new sub-counties, rural electrification, increased secondary schools, improved health facilities, provision of ambulances, access to clean water, agricultural machinery, and the construction of roads and bridges.
He assured residents that all services and government-supported projects he facilitated would remain in place despite his loss.
Obua further encouraged the public to draw lessons from Jeremiah 17:9, urging citizens to place trust in God rather than human emotions or political outcomes.
Obua has served Uganda in several leadership capacities, including Northern Uganda Youth Member of Parliament (2006), Parliamentary Commissioner, three-term MP for Ajuri County (2011-2026), State Minister for Sports, Government Chief Whip, and NRM Regional Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda.
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Earlier, in a press statement dated January 28, 2026, Obua officially accepted the results of the January 27 parliamentary re-run election ordered by the Electoral Commission.
He congratulated his successor, UPC candidate Fred Jalameso, and thanked voters for entrusting him with leadership over the years.
Obua pledged to continue serving Uganda, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), and the people of northern Uganda outside elective politics.
In the partial re-run conducted in 18 polling stations as ordered by court, UPC's Jalameso garnered 16,336 votes, narrowly defeating Obua who secured 15,568 votes.
Other candidates included Emmanuel Ongom Okwel of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who polled 2,874 votes, and independent candidates Tom Jasper Molo and Steven Omara, who garnered 1,585 and 519 votes respectively.
Jalameso, a professional teacher from Abwa Village in Angoltok Parish, Abako Sub-county, holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Lira University and previously served as head teacher at Light Vocational Secondary School.
