The competition to find a successor for the former Dokolo Woman MP, Cecilia Ogwal, is intensifying as Dr Esther Akullo Owor Otada Obot, a well-known Rotarian, has announced her intention to run.

In the previous general elections held in 2021, Ogwal secured victory with 32,223 votes, with NRM’s Janet Rose Elau Adongo Okello coming in second with 16,880 votes, and UPC’s Sarah Aguti trailing behind with 10,460 votes.

Akullo is poised to compete fiercely with Dr Rosemary Alwoc, the daughter of Ogwal who is being supported by leaders from the ruling National Ruling Movement (NRM) and the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Najjanankumbi faction.

Akullo is running for the seat as an independent candidate, intending to run an inclusive campaign of uniting the people of Dokolo and representing their interests within the Lango sub-region and nationally, regardless of their political affiliations.

Although NRM has gained some support in Lango, many people in Dokolo lean towards the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). Akullo is likely to be accepted by the people due to her father’s strong affiliation with UPC and his unwavering support for Ogwal before she switched to FDC after a falling out with the Obote family.

In addition to her political aspirations, Akullo is actively involved in various private initiatives within the corporate world. She holds leadership positions in the Rotary movement.

She is engaged in business activities, particularly in coordinating the operations of the Otada Group of Companies, which is involved in media, telecom, and commercial farming.

Other potential candidates for the position include Dr Anna Grace Lalam, Beatrice Milly Abang, Lillian Auma Okullo, UPC’s Sarah Aguti Nyangkon, and NRM’s Janet Rose Adong Elau. It is also expected that the FDC will put forward their candidate.

However, before Akullo can serve as the Dokolo Woman MP, she will have to overcome the challenge posed by Dr Alwoc Ogwal, who is based in the UK.