The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Candidate for the Soroti City Woman MP seat, Sarah Inachu, has formally withdrawn her election petition challenging the victory of incumbent Joan Alobo, bringing an end to the legal dispute over the January 15, 2026, parliamentary elections.
Inachu had sought to nullify Alobo’s election, alleging widespread electoral irregularities. She accused the Electoral Commission of failing to conduct a free and fair election and claimed the Soroti City Returning Officer unlawfully declared Alobo the winner despite what she described as flawed results.
She also alleged malpractice at several polling stations and accused Alobo of bribing 27 Electoral Commission supervisors with 200,000 Shillings each to facilitate vote rigging through pre-ticked ballot papers and ballot stuffing.
Soroti Resident Judge Justice Boniface Wamala welcomed the decision, describing it as a step that promotes reconciliation and unity in the aftermath of the elections. He directed that each party bear its own legal costs, saying Inachu’s decision showed a commitment to peace and harmony.
The judge said the petitioner had embraced the spirit of reconciliation and unity, values that are essential in the post-election period.
Addressing the court, Inachu said her decision followed consultations with religious and political leaders across the Teso sub-region. She said she had chosen to put peace, unity and the development of Soroti City ahead of prolonged litigation.
Alobo welcomed the withdrawal, saying she had always been ready to defend the integrity of her election because she believed the electoral process had been conducted fairly. She also announced that she would not seek legal costs from Inachu, describing the move as a gesture of goodwill intended to strengthen reconciliation.
Alobo was declared the winner of the January 15 parliamentary election with 19,040 votes, defeating Inachu, who polled 10,085 votes. Independent candidates Juliet Agonyo, Emily Shila Amulo and Priscila Apolot also contested the seat.
Alobo’s lead counsel, Francis Gimara, praised the MP for choosing reconciliation over prolonged litigation, saying political contests inevitably generate disagreements, but leadership is demonstrated by the willingness to move forward in the interest of the community.
NRM mobiliser and Presidential Advisor Teddy Acam also welcomed the development, saying the decision by both leaders reflected political maturity. She underscored the need to work together for the benefit of the people of Soroti City.
Lawyer Richard Okalang, representing Inachu, said the withdrawal was also influenced by the high financial cost of assembling evidence for the case, as well as the desire to prioritise development over extended political disputes in the region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
