BY OUNI JASPHER
DOKOLO: Dokolo district, one of the districts in Uganda, has been a hotbed for political contests since its inception in 2006.
With a population of over 100,000 people, the district has witnessed intense political battles, but one interesting fact stands out – the NRM party has never had a representative elected to represent women in parliament.
However, this trend was broken in the recent 2024 by-election when the UPC party won the seat to continue with the late FDC representative Cecilia Atim Ogwal’s term after her untimely death.
As the 2026-31 Dokolo woman MP race heats up, six candidates have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to win the seat and represent the district’s women.
The candidates include Janet Adongo Elau from the NRM party, Gloria Akullo from DP, Sarah Aguti from UPC, Hanna Grace Lalam from FDC, Atala Ruth Frances as an independent candidate, and Ms. Anna Okwir, another independent candidate.
This race has sparked curiosity among the electorates in Dokolo district, with many wondering whether the FDC party will regain its position, if UPC will continue with their lead, or if NRM will finally have a chance to prove itself.
Supporters of the NRM party are optimistic that 2026-31 election will be their chance to finally have a representative in parliament, with their candidate Janet Adongo Elau being a strong contender against the late Cecilia Atim Ogwal of FDC in the previous election.
On the other hand, supporters of the UPC party are elated with their recent win in the by-election, which has given them the momentum to continue with their lead.
They believe that their candidate, Sarah Aguti, has the capability to represent the district’s women effectively.
Meanwhile, FDC party supporters have not given up their hopes, stating that they have chosen Hanna Grace Lalam as a possible replacement for their late representative, and winning the woman MP seat is a must for their party.
Despite all the political rhetoric and promises, the real question is, who is the best candidate to represent the women of Dokolo district?
According to Simon Okello, a resident of Okwalongwen sub-county, the FDC party should not waste their time and resources campaigning in Dokolo as they had their chance with late Cecilia Atim Ogwal and failed to deliver.
He also noted that UPC’s Sarah Aguti, who was given the opportunity to represent the district in the by-election, has not made any significant impact, which may sway voters to turn to NRM’s Janet Adongo Elau.
However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Eunice Apio of Agwata town council believes that the FDC party’s leadership in Dokolo district was inclusive and catered to the needs of all its people, making a strong case for why the district should continue to support an FDC candidate in the woman MP race.
Deep-rooted infighting within the UPC party has caused chaos and disorganization in Amwoma Sub county, according to Molly Helen Acio advocating for the people of Dokolo district to vote for an independent candidate, Atala Ruth Frances.
This call for an independent candidate is echoed by John Francis Ogwang, a resident of Kangai town council.
In a recent interview, Ogwang expressed disappointment in the UPC candidate, Sarah Aguti, adding that she was elected during the Dokolo by-election with promises of protecting fishermen and removing UPDF from the lake.
However, these promises have yet to see any action.
The sentiment is shared by Solomon Omara of Dokolo town council. Omara points out that the NRM leadership in Dokolo district should take accountability for the failure of their candidates in the woman MP race.
He questions why the NRM has representatives in Dokolo county south and Dokolo county north, yet the district woman MP position is held by the opposition.
Geoffrey Opio Ekong, the chairperson of the NRM Party in Dokolo district, is on the move with NRM Party flag bearers for their campaign.
As they travel, he is strongly advocating for support towards NRM candidates, ranging from the president to local leaders.
He cautions against NRM Party members supporting opposition candidates, warning that it will hinder them from receiving any support from the party.
A dedicated NRM Party supporter in Bardege parish, Bata sub county, who wishes to remain anonymous, encouraged fellow party members to support opposition candidates like Hanna Grace Lalam, Okello Alfred Junior, Atala Ruth Frances who participated in NRM party primary election.
He argue that their defection to the opposition parties was a result of “irregularities” in the NRM Party primary elections.
Moses Enyango, the chairperson of the UPC Party in Dokolo district, is also making his presence known as he speaks to different groups.
He is determined to turn Dokolo district “Red” in the upcoming election.
During the various media engagements held in different parts of Dokolo district, it was evident that the youth are showing their support for DP’s Gloria Akullo.
They believe that she not only has the potential to win the race, but also has the best political career among the candidates.
The 2026-31 Dokolo woman MP race is set to be a hotly contested one, with all major political parties and independent candidates vying for the seat.
As the campaigns continue, it is essential for the electorates to carefully consider the track records, policies, and plans of these candidates to choose the most capable representative for the women of Dokolo district.
May the best candidate win.
