Aber Gifter’s historic win signals new hope for vulnerable girls in Acholi

In a historic political breakthrough for the Acholi sub-region, Aber Gifter, once a teenage mother forced to drop out of school, has been sworn in as Mayor of Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City after emerging victorious in the recent local government elections.

Aber, a candidate of the National Resistance Movement, defeated former division mayor Geoffrey Otim of the Democratic Party, becoming one of the first female child mothers to rise to such a top political office in the region.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Laroo-Pece Division headquarters in Laburnum Ward, where Aber pledged to transform the division through improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and grassroots engagement.

“I became known in this city through my close interaction with local communities while serving as a councillor for Queen’s Ward,” Aber told supporters.

“I supported vulnerable child mothers beyond politics,” she added.

Aber’s journey to political leadership has inspired many across northern Uganda. She revealed that she dropped out of school at primary level after becoming pregnant and spent nearly 20 years away from formal education before later upgrading her academic qualifications to Uganda Advanced Certificate level.

“My background should inspire child mothers across this region to believe in second chances and education and determination can still change lives,” she said.

She promised to prioritise tourism, infrastructure, education, healthcare, clean water access, wetland protection, land management, and agricultural productivity in the division.

Addressing critics who questioned her academic qualifications, Aber defended her leadership credentials.

“Leadership is not only about academic papers and some leaders are born to serve; so do not judge a book by its cover,” she said.

Focus on infrastructure and anti-corruption

Aber said her administration would focus heavily on improving road networks to connect businesses to major markets in Gulu City and strengthen grassroots engagement by dedicating part of her weekly schedule to meeting residents directly.

“As mayor, I will spend time with communities at the grassroots to hear their concerns firsthand and ensure quick responses through council,” she noted.

She also issued a strong warning against corruption within the technical and political leadership structures.

“I will not tolerate corruption and public servants must serve the people honestly and transparently,” Aber warned.

Okello Patrick, popularly known as “Sukari,” the mayor-elect for Bardege-Layibi Division, described his victory as the result of persistence after several unsuccessful attempts in previous elections.

“I contested several times before achieving this victory. I hope my story encourages young people never to give up,” he said.

Okello pledged to improve local revenue collection, open new roads, and support public sanitation projects, including the construction of more public toilets.

He also promised to work closely with Aber to accelerate development across Gulu City.

“We must work together to make Gulu one of the best cities in Uganda,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gulu City Mayor Labeja Julius Acire, also known as “Gunya,” urged all leaders to prioritize unity, accountability, and service delivery over political divisions.

“Let us stop divisions based on political parties and development requires teamwork, trust, and respect for the people who elected us,” Acire said.

He further called on leaders to uphold transparency in the management of public funds and avoid corruption scandals that could undermine public trust.

Gulu City Resident City Commissioner Peter Banya challenged the new leaders to focus on development and accountability.

“Leadership is about hard work and service and being transparent, fighting poverty, and working closely with technocrats to improve the image of Gulu City,” Banya said.

The swearing-in ceremonies for newly elected leaders in Gulu City were conducted between May 19 and May 21, 2026, by Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule Koma of the Gulu High Court Circuit.