Dr. Emmanuel Otaala, the state minister for labour has lost the hotly contested National Resistance Movement party primaries in his constituency in West Budama south in Tororo district.
Dr. Otaala who was the incumbent flag bearer and Member of Parliament for the constituency polled 11,483 against 17,835 garnered by his opponent Jacob Oboth- Oboth.
Dr. Otaala lost the vote in three out of the four sub counties where the election was conducted.
Peter Amodo, declared Oboth winner this evening amid tight security at the NRM offices in Tororo. He however said that the results exclude Iyolwa Sub County, where court halted the election due to flaws in the NRM party register.
Jacob Oboth Oboth filed an application in court after discovering ghost voters to the tune 14,000 in the area NRM party register in Iyolwa sub county alone, but court allowed the election to proceed in other sub counties.
Dr. Otaala's supporters protested the decision to exclude Iyolwa results, which gave Oboth undue advantage over their candidate.
But Tororo deputy resident district commissioner, Richard Gulume asked them to wait for the outcome of the court case.
Supporters of Jacob Oboth Oboth, the former eastern region state attorney were thrown into a frenzy of celebration and jubilation, paralyzing activity in Tororo town for over two hours.
Dr. Otaala's supporters on the other hand held their consolation celebrations chanting away 'No change slogan' as they marched away.
John Emokol,one of voters in West Budama south says Dr. Otaala was bound to loose because he opted to become arrogant to his electorate instead of providing them the much needed services.
Simon Owor added the minister was now doing his things with a clique of a few yet it was the entire constituency that voted him into office in the last election.
Dr. Otaala has reluctantly accepted defeat after a brief reconciliatory meeting with the district heads.
