Berocan calls for unity after tribunal upholds his victory
“Let us unite as one people, with one destiny, to claim the future we deserve,” he said.
Pakwach: In a landmark ruling, the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal has upheld Berocan Epiphany as the duly elected NRM flagbearer for Jonam County Member of Parliament in Pakwach District, dismissing a petition filed by rival candidate Omito Robert Steen.
The decision paves the way for Berocan to lead the NRM’s campaign ahead of the 2026 general elections, with a renewed focus on party unity and grassroots mobilization.
Steen’s petition challenged the outcome of the NRM primaries held on July 17, 2025, in which Berocan garnered 27,089 votes (67%), while Steen polled 15,189 votes (36%).
Among the allegations were electoral malpractice, bribery, falsification of results and electoral violence allegedly involving Captain Peter Ochan Okello.
Steen specifically accused NRM District Registrar Gipatho Gloria of deliberately voiding results from Alwi Sub-County, a known stronghold where he secured 6,413 votes against Berocan’s 493 votes.
While the tribunal acknowledged the irregular exclusion of Alwi’s results, it ruled that their inclusion would not have changed the final outcome Berocan would still lead by 5,980 votes (27,582 to 21,602).
Allegations of bribery, including a claimed UGX 20 million payment to the registrar, and claims of falsified results in Panyimur Town Council, were also dismissed due to lack of credible evidence.
In his address to the people of Jonam following the ruling, Berocan called the decision “a triumph of hope over doubt, of unity over division, and of progress over the status quo.”
“You are not just voters; you are guardians of democracy,” he told supporters.
Berocan dedicated the victory to fishing communities, market vendors, teachers, and the youth, pledging an inclusive development agenda for Jonam.
As a senior economist, he outlined a vision focused on economic empowerment, quality education and employable skills, improved healthcare and infrastructure development to connect communities.
“The time for waiting is over. The time for action is now,” he declared, rallying supporters to “ignite a strong engine of grassroots mobilization” across Jonam in preparation for the 2026 elections.
Berocan extended an olive branch to all residents regardless of political affiliation urging them to join hands in building a prosperous and united Jonam. “Let us unite as one people, with one destiny, to claim the future we deserve,” he said.
With the NRM flag officially in hand, Berocan now faces a competitive race against independent candidates and those from other political parties, all vying for the Jonam County parliamentary seat.
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