After a political attack in Adok sub county on last Saturday, Josephine Acen Okullo, also known as Gwok Adako contesting for Dokolo North MP, received a warm welcome and sympathy from her supporters on Sunday in Bata sub county, Agwata, and Adok sub counties.
As she continues her campaign to be the Member of Parliament for Dokolo North, Acen said her convoy was ambushed by a group of unknown individuals carrying dangerous panga and sticks with the intention of beating her.
However, she was able to escape beating and immediately reported the incident to the authorities at Dokolo central police station.
Despite the attack, Acen resumed her campaign on Sunday with a rally in Adok , Agwata town council and Bata sub county where she had organized a football competition.
The locals expressed their disgust and condemned the incident, suspecting it to be a planned attack by her opponent.
Eunice Obel, a resident of Bung-Agwata village, expressed her disappointment on why Acen was ambushed along her way to Adok sub county.
According to Obel “due to lack of development in Dokolo North over the past five years we need a change of leadership but am not happy that the person we are trusting to give is being ambushed”.
She praised Acen’s efforts in addressing the needs of the community especially water crisis regardless of political affiliation.
Walter Otile, another resident of the Adok sub county, shared his experience of how Acen’s manifesto caught his attention during a campaign rally in Apye parish calling upon locals to give support so that Acen wins against men.
Amis Ogoro, a vocal member of the community, urged voters to choose Acen as their candidate for Dokolo North MP, citing her actions so far as evidence of her commitment to the community.
He pointed out that some candidates may make promises during their campaign, but fail to deliver once elected into office.
Lilly Alfred Akora, a member of the local textile industry, expressed her disappointment towards politicians who use gender disparities as a means of segregating their political agendas.
She believes that women play a crucial role in the development of their community and should be given equal opportunities to succeed.
Another resident, Isaac Opyene, lamented the lack of development in Te-tugo Ward and urged the local leaders to come together and support a woman in the Dokolo North Parliamentary race.
He urged mothers to unite and rally behind Josephine Acen Okullo, a hopeful MP for Dokolo North, who has promised to bring positive change and development to the area.
Under the leadership of Paska Moses Olwa, a group of women presented gifts of brooms and umbrellas to candidate Acen, showing their support and commitment to her cause.
Olwa emphasized the need for men to also join in supporting female candidates, as together, they can create a brighter future for Dokolo North.
In response to the issues raised by the community, Acen Okullo, known as Gwok Adako, confirmed that her leadership will prioritize health, education, and infrastructure among others.
She asked the community to pray for her and her team, as they are committed to bringing positive change to Dokolo North.
Acen promised to help the community by grouping the women into a Sacco and exploring ways to modernize the local clay soil into a thriving industrial center.
She also pledged to organize health camps that will focus on screening diseases and providing necessary medical care for the people of Dokolo.
Acen acknowledges that Dokolo North is in dire need of a visionary leader. Her focus on education is commendable, as she plans to target parishes without primary schools and establish skills centers for school dropouts.
Acen said her vision will be to support widows and older individuals, acknowledging the difficulties they face in society.
