Thousands Flock to Obua’s Ajuri Home for Thanksgiving Prayers

Ajuri County, Alebtong District — Thousands of residents, supporters and well-wishers on Saturday gathered at the home of outgoing Ajuri County Member of Parliament and Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, for a thanksgiving prayer service held on February 1, 2026.

The prayers came shortly after the recent parliamentary elections in which Obua conceded defeat to UPC candidate Fred Jalameso, marking the end of his three consecutive terms representing Ajuri County since the constituency’s creation in 2011.

Addressing the congregation, Obua said the gathering was meant to thank God and the people of Ajuri for the opportunity to serve. He quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV), urging believers to rejoice, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” Obua said, concluding his remarks with, “To God be the glory.”

Reflecting on his political journey, Obua described his rise from a humble background in Ajuri to national leadership as a testament of faith, divine favor and community support. He likened his story to the biblical question of whether anything good could come from Nazareth, emphasizing that leadership ultimately comes from God.

During his tenure, Obua highlighted several key developments in Ajuri County. The number of sub-counties increased from three to seven, with five now connected to electricity and the remaining two mapped for connection. Secondary schools grew from three to eight, spread across all sub-counties, while Ajuri currently hosts four seed schools, the highest number in the country.

Health services also improved, with the establishment of three new health centers, provision of a government ambulance, installation of a modern medical theatre, and equipping all seven health centers with beds. Two ambulances were deployed to support emergency response.

In agriculture, each sub-county received two handheld tractors, while hand hoes were distributed to women aged 18 and above to boost household farming.

Infrastructure projects included the construction of bridges in Otoke, Aguru and Ajuri, with Ayumu Bridge still under construction. Several primary schools were renovated under World Bank support, solar street lights installed in seven urban centers, water projects expanded, and boreholes repaired. Additional renovations were supported by partners such as Tororo Cement and Plan International.

Obua also organized medical and surgical outreach camps in partnership with the UPDF, and extended support to churches and mosques across the constituency.

His past leadership roles include Commissioner of Parliament, State Minister for Sports, and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Science and Technology, and Spokesperson for the Commonwealth Youth Forum. In 2010, he was voted the best-performing Member of Parliament, scoring a 100 percent rating.

The thanksgiving gathering reflected deep community appreciation for Obua’s contributions, blending faith, reflection and celebration as he transitions from elective politics while pledging continued service to Northern Uganda.