Lanyero Molly warns against divisive politics in Lamwo

Lamwo | Former Woman Member of Parliament for Lamwo district and current aspirant for the same seat, Lanyero Molly, has called on fellow political contenders to reject divisive politics and instead promote peace and unity.

Lanyero made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with National Resistance Movement (NRM) party structures at Palabek Kal town council in Lamwo district.

She expressed concern over a growing trend among political aspirants and their supporters in Lamwo to isolate themselves from opponents—refusing to speak, meet, or even share a meal. Lanyero reminded attendees that beyond elections, communities must continue to live and work together.

“As leaders and citizens, we must rise above hatred and bitterness. After elections, we remain neighbors, colleagues, and community members. Let’s not allow politics to divide us,” she said.

Lanyero, who is also contesting for the position of chairperson of the Lamwo district women’s league, urged voters to support leaders who prioritize peace, development, and unity.

She stressed the importance of electing capable representatives who can effectively advocate for the district within national and party structures.

Margaret Akello, a resident of Palabek Kal town council, said Lanyero’s call for unity was timely.

“We are tired of politics that divide families and neighbors. What Hon. Lanyero said it is true—after elections, we still live together. We need leaders who preach peace and development, not hatred,” Akello remarked.

David Okello, another resident, added that, “We want leaders who will represent us well and bring services to Lamwo. It’s good that she reminded people that politics should not break our unity.”

James Ocen, 24, is a boda boda rider. He shared a perspective from the youth and concurred with Molly’s call and urged fellow youth to elect leaders who are not divisive but rather working to unite the people of Lamwo.

“As youth, we’re often used during campaigns to fight each other or spread hate, but we gain nothing from it. What Hon. Lanyero encourages us to think beyond elections and focus on development. We want leaders who will create opportunities for us, not divide us.”

Olyec Albino, a respected elder from neighboring Agago District, also revealed that the cultural norms and traditions require people to preach peace and togetherness rather than hate.

“In our tradition, we value peace and reconciliation. Politics should not destroy relationships. I appreciate Lanyero for reminding us that no leader can work alone. Unity is strength.”

As the district gears up for upcoming elections, Lanyero’s appeal offers a hopeful vision—one that puts community cohesion and collective progress at the heart of political engagement.

Joyce Oyella, councillor for Abera and Palabek Gem sub-counties, emphasized the impact of political conflict on women and urged fellow women to come out and take the mantle to lead in their respective societies and levels.

“We women suffer the most when there is conflict. Hatred among leaders filters down to our homes. We support leaders who promote peace, dialogue, and development. We need someone who can advocate for women’s issues at the national level.”

Peter Komakech, a small business owner, echoed similar sentiments noting that when there is conflict among politicians even businesses suffer.

“When politicians fight, it affects our businesses because people fear coming to the market. We want peaceful elections and leaders who will improve roads and services so we can grow our businesses.”

Lanyero Molly is positioning her campaign around reconciliation, service delivery, and inclusive governance. Her emphasis on restoring unity is not only a call to fellow aspirants but also a message to the electorate: that the strength of Lamwo lies in its ability to come together beyond political affiliations.

Lamwo District, in northern Uganda, has experienced a troubling rise in politically motivated division and hostility in recent electoral cycles.

Candidates and their supporters have often distanced themselves from rivals to the point of avoiding basic social interaction, fueling long-term tensions within communities.