The Outgoing Ajuri County MP and Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua hosted a thanksgiving prayer at his residence in Amindit Village, Abako Subcounty, drawing thousands of residents, political leaders, and religious figures in a show of unity and gratitude.

The event came a week after Obua conceded defeat to Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidate Fred Jalameso in the recently concluded parliamentary elections a gesture many leaders hailed as a rare display of political maturity and faith following an electoral loss.

Presiding over the thanksgiving on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, Rt Rev Prof Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese, encouraged leaders to find strength and purpose even in defeat.

Preaching from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, the Bishop urged believers to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances,” describing Obua’s thanksgiving as a profound demonstration of Christian faith.

Bishop Tom Ibrahim of Elim Pentecostal Ministries (All Nations) echoed similar sentiments, calling on the people of Lango to reject jealousy and embrace unity as a foundation for sustainable regional progress.

Addressing the gathering, former Aruu County MP aspirant Samuel Odonga Otto commended Obua for his humility and contribution to the region’s development. Otto said Northern Uganda had reason to be proud of Obua’s legacy, noting that under his leadership as captain of the Parliamentary football team, the team secured eight trophies.

“Africa’s democratic challenge, lies in our tendency to vote against individuals rather than for those we trust,” Otto said.

He added that democracy thrives on differing opinions and reminded those who lost elections that temporary defeat does not diminish one’s leadership capacity.

Kwania County MP Tonny Ayo, who also lost his seat in the polls, praised Obua’s efforts in mobilising support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni across Northern Uganda.

As the NRM Vice Chairperson for the region, Ayo noted, Obua delivered 82 percent of the presidential vote there.

Ayo also revealed that when preliminary results showed Obua trailing, the outgoing MP called to congratulate his opponent and to urge colleagues to respect the will of the people an act he described as “a mark of humility and statesmanship.”

In his remarks, Obua thanked God and his constituents for their trust since Ajuri’s creation in 2011. He reflected on his political journey from humble beginnings to national leadership, saying his service was guided by faith and community support.

During his 15-year tenure, Obua cited key achievements including the establishment of new subcounties, expansion of electricity access, construction of bridges, improved health facilities, additional secondary and seed schools, agricultural mechanisation initiatives, water projects, and urban solar lighting installations.

Despite his electoral loss, Obua pledged to continue serving Uganda and the Lango sub-region.

Among the guests was Dokolo Resident District Commissioner Babra Aketch, a longtime associate who lauded Obua’s longstanding dedication to public service.