Lamwo shatters political glass ceiling as Doris Abalo becomes first female council speaker

For the first time since Lamwo district was carved out of Kitgum nearly two decades ago, a woman has risen to preside over the district council, a milestone many residents are celebrating as a historic breakthrough for women’s leadership and inclusive governance.

Doris Abalo was officially elected Speaker of the Lamwo district council, becoming the first woman to hold the influential position since the district’s creation in 2011.

Her victory has generated excitement across the district, with leaders, activists, and residents expressing hope that her leadership will usher in unity, fairness, and improved service delivery.

Moments after taking the oath of office, Abalo struck a conciliatory tone, pledging to provide people-centered leadership and ensure neutrality in the management of council affairs.

“I will ensure a neutral ground for all councilors and uphold fairness in the conduct of the House as we focus on the priorities of our people,” Abalo said shortly after her election.

The new council speaker emphasised that political differences should not divide leaders at a time when residents are demanding better roads, health services, schools, and employment opportunities.

She urged councillors to work together regardless of political affiliation or personal disagreements, noting that meaningful development can only be achieved when leaders speak with one voice.

“Let us join hands and work together so that Lamwo develops and our people expect service delivery, and we must not fail them,” she added.

For many women in the district, Abalo’s election represents more than a political victory. It is being viewed as a symbol of progress in a region where leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men.

Akullu Grace Regina, a resident of Madi Opei town council and former gender officer for Agago district, described the election as a proud moment for women and girls across Lamwo.

“We are very happy as women because this shows that women are also capable of leading and young girls will now believe that they too can become leaders in the future,” Akullu said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Odur Justine Peace, councillor 5 for Aceba sub-county, who described Abalo’s election as a major milestone for gender equality in local governance.

“This is a new chapter for Lamwo and the election of a female Speaker sends a strong message that leadership should be based on ability and commitment to serve the people, not gender,” Odur said.

Atii Florence, councillor 5 for Lokung East sub-county, also welcomed the development, saying women leaders often promote dialogue, cooperation, and community-centered leadership.

“We believe she will unite councillors and help improve service delivery in the district,” Atii said.

The leadership transition comes at a critical time for Lamwo district, where concerns over political divisions and delayed development projects have dominated public debate in recent years.

Human rights activist Okongo Morgan Joel challenged the new district leadership to prioritise unity and avoid the political camps that previously affected district operations.

According to Okongo, persistent disagreements among leaders slowed service delivery and undermined public trust in local government institutions.

He cited the return of more than shs1.7 billion earmarked for staff recruitment as one of the consequences of leadership wrangles that affected district performance.

“Leaders must now put the interests of the people first and the time for divisions is over and as the residents want services, roads, health workers, and development,” Okongo said.

The activist also urged district leaders to focus on pressing community needs, including road tarmacking, recruitment of health workers, establishment of a district hospital, construction of markets, improved communication networks, and the creation of a public cemetery.

He further appealed to the LC5 hairperson and council leadership to take a more active role in steering the district’s development agenda instead of leaving key decisions entirely to technical staff.

Despite the challenges ahead, many residents believe Abalo’s leadership could mark the beginning of a new political culture in Lamwo, especially at a time when citizens are increasingly demanding accountability and inclusiveness from elected leaders.

Several councilors described her election as a victory for dialogue and collective leadership, expressing optimism that the district council will now focus more on service delivery than political confrontation.

For women and girls across Lamwo, however, the moment carries even deeper meaning.

In a district where top political offices have long remained out of reach for women, Doris Abalo’s rise to the speaker’s chair is being celebrated as proof that the political landscape is gradually changing.

As jubilant supporters gathered outside the council chambers after the election, many described the day not only as a political transition, but as history in the making for Lamwo district.