Ejang Sarah Ayo has been elected chairperson of the Women’s Council for Lira City West Division. She secured a decisive victory over her Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) opponent in an election held on August 18.

Ayo emerged victorious with 84 votes, while her UPC competitor Namugosa Phaima secured 14 votes, giving her a mandate to lead women in the division.

In the same election, Akite Salima was elected general secretary, while Jane Francis Okello was elected treasurer of the Women’s Council.

Speaking shortly after the election, Ayo thanked all the women who participated in the electoral process and those who supported her candidature.

She said her victory was not only for the women who voted for her, but for every woman in Lira City West Division, regardless of their political affiliation.

Ayo pledged to provide inclusive leadership, saying she will not use political party differences as a basis for deciding who deserves to benefit from her leadership.

She emphasised that she will work with and serve all women equally, including those who supported her opponent during the election.

“I will not only work for those who voted for me. I will work for all women regardless of the political party they belong to,” Ayo said.

The newly elected chairperson also pledged to prioritise the effective implementation of projects and programmes intended to benefit women.

She said she will make sure that projects and opportunities meant for women reach the intended beneficiaries instead of remaining at the leadership or administrative level.

Ayo also promised to work towards mobilising women to take advantage of available programmes aimed at improving their livelihoods, economic empowerment and participation in community development.

The chairperson-elect called for unity among women in the division, urging them to put political differences aside and work together for the development and wellbeing of their communities.

Ayo further expressed appreciation to the President of Uganda for his continued support towards women and women’s empowerment initiatives.

She also thanked Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero for what she described as “her continued support and commitment towards the advancement of women.”

Women’s concerns, she said, will be her priority and to ensure that programmes and projects intended to benefit them are effectively implemented.

The election marks a new chapter for the Women’s Council in Lira City West Division, with expectations now high among women and community leaders for the new leadership to turn its promises into tangible opportunities for women.