By Jumah Kakomo
The Opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party president Jimmy Akena says the recently just concluded by-election for Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament seat offered yet another best moment for the great vision and work that he launched during the 2010 Party Presidential race whose theme focused on rebuilding the Party’s firm foundation through grassroots mobilization.
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidate, Sarah Aguti was declared the winner of the Dokolo District Woman lawmaker seat after garnering the most votes. Aguti was declared winner of the election by Dokolo District Returning Officer, Erikwaine Ngobi after she polled 23,044 votes in the total 173 polling stations scattered across the northern Uganda district to beat five other candidates in the race.
Aguti’s closest competitor, Rose Adong Janet Elau of the ruling NRM party came second with 14,001 votes, while the late Cecilia Ogwal’s daughter, Dr.Rosemary Acwol Ogwal of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) came in third place with 8,168 votes and the National Unity Platform (NUP’s) Harriet Ageno came in the fourth place with 727 votes.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday at UPC party headquarters Kampala, Akena revealed that they have been very consistent on that path, which has guided them in the rebuilding processes of the Party amidst all challenges at hand saying that is why in 2021 General Elections their overall focus was on Parliamentary and mainly local government positions (LCV Chairpersons, District Councilors, Division Mayors, Sub County Chairperson and Councilors) where they won more seats.
“I want to commend the Party membership for having heeded to this call that has had a positive effect of taking back the Party to the people’s hearts and homes which political pundits are referring to as “Party resurgence”. Akena stated.
Akena adds that the July 2023 Oyam North County by-election that the UPC Candidate Hon. Dr. Eunice Otuko Apio won gave them confidence and vigor that the Party was moving on the right path with the grassroots mobilization.
’’I want to bring it to your attention that immediately after the Oyam North by-election; I launched the Party National Mobilization Tours at Apac Boma Grounds followed by the one for Amolatar towards the end of the year, 2023. By the time the Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament Seat fell vacant, we had just finished our continuous mobilization tour activity in Dokolo District in January 2023. So, the Dokolo Woman MP by-election was yet another big opportunity for us, as a Party, to test the ground and see whether our mobilization was bearing any fruits”. Akena elaborated.
UPC’s president further highlighted that he led the UPC team on ground for the entire campaign period, zeroed on their message anchored on people’s welfare which message was well received and on March 21, 2024, the people of Dokolo made a big statement! This was so because they gave a deaf ear to detractors, stayed determined, committed to their cause and focused on moving the Party forward which continues to be their mission.
On behalf of UPC and his own behalf, Akena congratulated the Dokolo District Woman MP elect Hon. Sarah Aguti Nyangkori and the people of Dokolo for the landslide victory of the just concluded by-election. He says this convincing win indeed proves that the UPC Campaign Machine” is getting ready to roll out in full gear across the country as they focus on 2026 general elections and beyond.
According to Akena, as stiff as it was during the campaigns, he further sent special thanks to UPC leaders at all levels, Members of Parliament, all Local Government Leaders on UPC ticket, National Party Headquarters and the entire membership for the high degree of unity exhibited in a congress spirit and giving the Party work priority amidst tight schedules.
“Your efforts were and are being noticed and appreciated! The fruits are starting to be seen. I implore members to keep the energy and continue with the mobilization as the Party gets prepared for the 2026 General elections”. Akena added.
To the Hon. Sarah Aguti Nyangkori, the Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament elect, Akena wished her the best of service to the people of Dokolo and the country at large during her tenure of office.
“Let us now reconsolidate our efforts and actions for a better future”. Akena said.
