Will ‘Otukeans’ continue to vote out woman MP every election cycle?

Otuke district has established a unique political tradition of changing its Woman Member of Parliament every five years since its creation in 2009.

This pattern reflects a consistent voter preference for new representation despite incumbents’ performance.

Otuke district was officially established in July 2010, after separating from Lira district. Since its inception, the residents have demonstrated a consistent pattern of electing a new woman representative each electoral term, never re-electing a sitting MP.

Annet Nyakecho (2011-2016): She was the pioneer Woman MP elected on the NRM ticket in 2011. A businesswoman originally from Tororo, married Deo Okwenye – a man from the district.

She served one term before successfully transitioning to represent Tororo North County.

Nyakecho was succeeded by Silvia Akello (2016-2021) who also served a single five-year term before being defeated in the 2021 elections.

Susan Jolly Abeja, 2021-present. The incumbent and NRM flag bearer for the upcoming elections, could continue the district’s pattern of one-term representation.

In the 2026 general election, five candidates were nominated for the women’s representative seat. They are Grace Abote of UPC

Susan Jolly Abeja, NRM, Akullo Rose Mary, Independent; and Adur Norah, Independent, and Ogwang Paska (DP).

A section of voters is now expressing strong support for UPC candidate Grace Abote.

Tonny Ogwang of Okwang sub-county said, “Of the three previous MPs, no UPC candidate has won. But Grace Abote is the best candidate in this election.”

Odongo James from Orum sub-county has identified Grace Abote as a worker. She has repaired numerous boreholes across Otuke, including in Okwang Opejal and Got Ojwang villages. “This is the leadership our community needs.”

Additional supporters, including Onguu Jasper of Olilim, Odany Robert of Adawri, and Apar Jasper of Ogor, highlighted Abote’s achievements.

Road rehabilitation in Wii Dam, Ogwete sub-county, other projects include rehabilitation of Anam okoko Kongo bridge and Odite Bridge repairs in Otuke town council.

The forthcoming election might continue Otuke’s distinctive political tradition, with voters poised to potentially elect their fourth different woman representative in as many electoral cycles.