Jane Acilo’s campaign approach is connecting with Oyam’s common people

On Monday, November 10, it was a day to remember in Aleka as thousands gladly welcomed Jane Frances Acilo, Oyam District Woman MP candidate in the forthcoming general elections.

In her first campaign rally since her October 23 nomination by the Electoral Commission offices in Oyam town, she spoke in Aleka sub-county about transforming Oyam and changing the political status quo.

She told the enthusiastic gathering that Oyam has suffered for 15 years, and she, alongside the NRM party, is ready to transform lives and empower households.

Acilo was praised there for starting to transform Oyam and change the mindsets of the common people, for example, on agriculture, even before officially getting their mandate in 2026.

“I am a worker who does not segregate people in line with politics and religion,” Jane said in Lela Pala primary school grounds. “I say and do. I am not an empty tin – I am full.”

Speaking at different campaign venues in Loro sub-county, Oyam South on Tuesday, Acilo said she’s giving the common people fishing hooks but not real fish for a better Oyam.

Acilo cited a kilogram of maize seeds she distributed across the district, saying one kilogram can multiply and produce a great harvest. She promises to support more households with maize seeds for planting and a stable market for maize grains.

“Try me for 5 years. If after 5 years I have not performed to your expectations, vote me out,” she told the gathering, urging them to elect someone like her who will represent their interest.

From 2026-2031, she is promising a new Oyam, a district where hope is guaranteed, development and transformation are visible and felt.

What makes her campaign approach unique?

Not only is she connecting the people of Oyam district with an artist, Okeng Borntown, whom they love to see around, but with a veteran politician and elder, Beatrice Lagada, who knows Oyam from its origin.

Lagada’s approval of Acilo as a development-oriented leader has put more weight on her manifesto. And as one of the seniors in the campaign team, Acilo-Lagada’s messages of an agrarian Oyam are bonding well with the wanainchi.

For Okeng, his songs and comedy-style talks and jokes are what people in the grassroots now want to feel, to laugh at. Okeng has energised the campaign and is helping to woo and connect the candidate’s manifesto and messages to the people.

At nearly all campaign venues, Acilo has allowed common people to express their needs, and priorities for 2026-203. While dozens have praised her for supporting them with maize seeds for planting, paying school fees for their children, many have also tabled their needs as she eyes the Oyam district woman MP seat.

Akullu Mega of Aloc village, Opelere parish, Loro, is a beneficiary of the maize seeds. She has also asked Acilo to lobby for the rehabilitation of roads in their area.

Awino Milly of Aweimio village, Zambia, Myene sub-county, wants Acilo to start a program aimed at empowering women and youth.

Another woman, Susan Odongo, wants Jane Frances Acilo to put them in business-minded groups so that they can support their families and be able to afford school fees.

Esther Omara of Dwogcen Pacu, Juma parish, also in Myene, says Acilo has been with them and always connected with them. Because she’s part of them, Omara said they are able to “cross over to her” once overwhelmed with problems.

Another woman, Acipa Jennifer of Aweimio wants the woman MP candidate to “do good for them” and pay fees for their children. She also desires a goat rearing project from her once she joins the 12th Parliament.

“I have listened to your needs for an improved education system, healthcare, electricity; clean water and agriculture. Oyam is suffering in all these sectors,” she said.

As just a candidate, Acilo said she has tried to “touch one or two things.” “Rehabilitated roads, distributed maize seeds and organised free medical camps at Loro health centre III and Oyam North at Boma Grounds where over 5,000 were attended to.”

“If we must stand as strong people, we should get a leader who makes laws to ensure that the people of Oyam have something in their pockets – can support their daily lives,” she told the people of Myene on Wednesday.