Alima Joyce Reeni, an aspirant for the Gulu City Woman Member of Parliament seat, has pledged to prioritize wealth creation, improved healthcare, and youth and women empowerment in her campaign ahead of the upcoming primaries scheduled for July 17, 2025.
Speaking at a community rally in Arriaga Ward, Reeni outlined her vision for transforming Gulu City, with a focus on lifting residents out of poverty through agriculture, better education, and stronger health systems.
“My vision for Gulu City is to create wealth for the local people through agriculture, well-planned education, and improved health systems. I will empower all women and youth in this city,” Reeni told supporters.
She identified poverty as a key issue affecting the region, adding that her manifesto focuses on practical solutions to stimulate local economic growth and development.
“Poverty has invaded every corner of Gulu City. That’s why I’m focusing on wealth creation through a number of initiatives,” she said.
Reeni emphasized that creating wealth and development requires collective effort and collaboration.
“People may ask, ‘How will I create wealth for the people of Gulu?’ I can’t do it alone. But I will lobby from well-wishers, development partners, and government programs. That is why I am the right candidate for this position,” she stated.
During the rally, residents raised numerous concerns, particularly regarding access to healthcare. They cited challenges such as drug shortages, inadequate healthcare staff, and poor attitudes from health workers, high treatment costs, and long distances to health centers.
In an interview with tndNews Uganda, Reeni blamed poor leadership for the current situation in Gulu and pledged to be a voice for the people.
“For too long, our people have suffered in silence without access to quality healthcare. As their leader, I will raise my voice, fight for their rights, and ensure that everyone in Gulu City receives the medical care they deserve.”
She noted that many women are forced to sell belongings or take out loans just to access medical care. If elected, she said she would advocate for policies and funding that ease this burden.
Oyet Samuel Agwani, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Gulu City publicity secretary, said the party is seeking candidates who can strengthen its support base and advance its development agenda.
“We need a leader who understands the NRM vision and is ready to grow the party. Our mission is to bring services closer to the grassroots—quality healthcare, education, infrastructure—all to improve people’s lives,” Oyet told tndNews.
Akello Pamela, a resident of Arriaga Ward, highlighted the unique struggles women face, especially in accessing healthcare.
“As women, we carry the burden of family health. Men are often busy with work, so we are left to care for the children. We need accessible healthcare services and empowerment programs that truly support us.”
Another resident, Lucy Atim, a mother of three from Bwonagweno Cell in Pece-Laroo Division, urged the government to improve service delivery in public hospitals.
“Long waits at government hospitals shouldn’t be part of the healing process. I urge Alima and the government to ensure timely and efficient medical care.”
She warned that while government healthcare is often more affordable, inefficiencies are driving patients away and deepening poverty.
As the campaign intensifies, residents of Gulu City look ahead to the primaries with high expectations for change and better representation.
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