NRM wins in Toroma

Joseph Andrew Koluo, the National Resistance Movement party candidate, has been declared the winner of Toroma County parliamentary by election held on Thursday.

Koluo polled 8262 votes, while independent candidate Robert Imalingat came second with 4072 votes. Solomon Osiya another independent candidate came third with 3440 votes followed by FDC candidate Martin Odaka Omedo with 3081 votes.

Other candidates including UPC Andrew Omiat who got 99 votes, John Robert Ekongot with 1957 votes, and Patrick Aeku Edyangu who got 72 votes.

Daniel Othieno, Katakwi district registrar while declaring Koluo as the winner said a total of 21,276 out of the 29,975 registered voters turned up to cast their votes.

Whereas NRM party deputy treasurer, Dr.Kenneth Omona welcomed the results and congratulated the people of Toroma County for voting the right candidate, a section of opposition leaders including FDC secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi trashed the results saying the by election was marred with voters' bribery and intimidation by the NRM cadres. 

Nandala says the ruling party spent a lot of money in buying voters, a claim which has been downplayed by Dr. Omona.
Koluo could not hide his excitement after he was declared winner. He pledged to promote the interests of his people putting education, health, agriculture and infrastructural improvement as his key priorities.

Early in the day, a section of FDC mobilisers were attacked by some NRM cadres in Magoro Sub County. FDC Candidate Osiya has not openly conceded defeat.

Michael Odongo, East Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson confirmed the clash saying they arrested four people suspected to have masterminded the violence. 

He says the suspects being held at Katakwi CPS shall be charged with causing electoral violence.

Toroma County parliamentary seat fell vacant after the death of Cyrus Amodoi in a fatal road accident along Jinja-Kamapla Highway in March.