The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has reclaimed political leadership in Soroti City following the victory of its candidate, Francis Esudu Obonyo, in the recently concluded mayoral election held on 22 January 2026. The election marked a significant political transition, ending the tenure of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) under incumbent mayor Paul Omer.
According to official results released by the Electoral Commission (EC), a total of 25,607 voters participated in the election. Despite the importance of the race, the exercise was characterized by generally low voter turnout across several polling stations within the city, a trend electoral officials attributed to voter apathy and logistical challenges.
While announcing the results at the Soroti City Electoral Commission Tally Centre, the Returning Officer, Olinga John, declared Francis Esudu Obonyo the duly elected mayor after securing 11,504 votes. His closest challenger, Paul Omer of the FDC, garnered 8,274 votes, giving the NRM candidate a decisive victory margin of 3,230 votes.
Other candidates in the race included several independents who collectively attracted a notable share of the vote. Elasu Edmond, running as an independent candidate, came third with 3,435 votes, while Simon Peter Ebitu, also an independent, polled 2,280 votes. Another independent contender, Opio Emmanuel, trailed the field with 114 votes.
The Electoral Commission further reported that 404 ballots were declared invalid, while 101 ballot papers were spoilt during the voting process. In total, 26,011 ballot papers were counted, reflecting the overall integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
The outcome of the election represents a major political shift in Soroti City, which has for years been considered an opposition stronghold. Analysts note that the NRM’s win signals changing voter preferences and may reflect growing expectations for service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic transformation within the city.
In his post-election remarks, the Returning Officer commended voters, security agencies, polling officials, and candidates for maintaining relative calm throughout the electoral exercise. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
Francis Esudu Obonyo’s victory positions the NRM to consolidate its influence in the city’s governance and align municipal leadership more closely with national development priorities. Stakeholders will now be watching closely to see how the incoming mayor addresses key urban challenges, including employment creation, youth empowerment, urban planning, and public service delivery.
As Soroti City enters a new phase of leadership, expectations are high that the incoming administration will prioritize inclusive governance, accountability, and sustainable development to meet the needs of its growing population.
