Voters across Otuke East Constituency have voiced strong support for Silvia Akello as she prepares to challenge incumbent MP Julius Acon Bua in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
In an interview on Friday, Silvia Akello, who previously lost in the NRM primaries for the Otuke district woman representative seat, expressed her determination to bring change to the constituency.
“Enough is enough,” she said. “The people of Otuke East deserve genuine representation,” Akello added.
Akello, who served as Otuke District Woman Representative in the 10th Parliament (2016-2021), has received support across sub-counties and town councils in Otuke East.
A section of voters has affectionately nicknamed her “Twon Ager Otero Idok Amon” – a local expression meaning “a stubborn bull is escorted with female cows.”
Akello says her political journey has been remarkable. She won the 2016 parliamentary election while hospitalised following a serious road accident. Her current campaign focuses on tangible development outcomes and accountable leadership.
She commenced her political career in 1993 as a district youth representative in the Constituent Assembly and subsequently became a district councillor.
Her agenda focuses on empowering both youth and women, addressing the security concerns of Otuke East and related issues, strengthening the Seeds Secondary School, and enhancing the historical significance of Otuke Hill, among other initiatives.
Akello mentioned that her involvement during the council’s approval led to the establishment of new sub-counties, such as Ogor, formed from Orum, and Ogwete, formed from Olilim. Consequently, some of these sub-counties are functioning without designated sub-county headquarters.
“One of my pledges is to advocate for the construction of these administrative blocks. Additionally, we played a role in the formation of the Otuke district from the larger Lira at that time.”
Sam Okabo, 44, a resident of Aluga B in Olilim sub-county, voiced frustration with current leadership: “For many years, Otuke East has stagnated. We receive promises of improved seeds like DK 777 maize, but what we truly need are quality roads, better schools, and functional hospitals – not just agricultural inputs.”
Bonny Olobo, 51, from Orum sub-county praised Akello’s grassroots efforts: “Hon. Akello has been actively supporting SACCO groups, helping poor families with education, repairing boreholes, and assisting churches. Otuke East has felt like children without a mother for too long – Akello has come at the right time.”
Consulate Akullu, 70, from Ogwete sub-county, added: “I may not be educated, but I recognise good leadership. Akello represents the change we need in Parliament.”
Some voters from both Olilim and Ogwete, such as Otim, Aguma, and Apio expressed that for over 40 years, Otuke has had a leader originating from the greater Orum area.
Among these leaders are former minister Daniel Omara Atubu, who served for 25 years, Father Ogwal Jacinta for 5 years, and the current MP Acon for 10 years. This situation has persisted long enough; it is now time for us to have a leader from Ogwete, Olilim, or Ogor sub-counties, rather than from Orum.
Five candidates are contesting against the incumbent, such as UPC candidates Enen Richard, Dr Oku Oleng Independent, Otuke district speaker Lameck Ogwal, independent, Silvia Akello, Independent and the current MP Julius Acon Bua of the NRM party.
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