A heated battle for votes is underway in Kole North constituency, where the Chairperson of Lango Parliamentary Group (LPG), Judith Alyek, and her Secretary General, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, are vying for support. Dr. Opio Acuti, the incumbent MP, has joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, while Ms Alyek is contesting as an independent candidate. The third candidate, Mr. Sam Blick Okello, is running on the UPC ticket.
Dr. Opio Acuti has highlighted his achievements in the past five years, including the donation of three ambulances, construction of a new Health Centre III, and upgrade of Ayara HCII to HCIII. He has also opened eight youth skilling centres, offering vocational training programs to 634 youth.
“I lobbied the government for the construction of a new Health Centre III in Okwerodot Sub-county and the upgrade of Ayara HCII to HCIII. I also championed increases in drug budgets for health facilities, resulting in 50 to 100% increases in drug budgets for health facilities,” Dr. Opio Acuti said.
He added that his efforts have led to significant improvements in infrastructure, including the extension of electricity to rural areas and the introduction of a crop insurance scheme. “I petitioned for electricity extension to rural areas in Kole North, which led to the extension of 30km of power lines to 45 villages,” he said.
Ms. Alyek, on the other hand, has emphasized her role as LPG chairperson in lobbying for big projects in the Lango Sub-region, including the reconstruction of the 68 km Lira-Kamdini highway and tarmacking of the 191 km Rwekunye-Masindi port-Apac-Lira to Puranga road.
“I have been able to lobby for big projects for the development of Lango Sub-region… I was behind the ongoing construction of Akii Bua Olympic Stadium,” Ms. Alyek said.
Mr. Sam Blick Okello, a lawyer and UPC candidate, has promised to be a realistic and practical political servant, focusing on issues such as access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare.
“It’s going to be my burden to work closely with the district and lower local governments to find ways of lobbying and networking with other key players to extend support,” Mr. Okello said.
The election is seen as a tough contest, with Kole North having a population of 145,516 and three sub-counties. The winner will represent the constituency in the 12th Parliament.
Profiles;
Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti: A distinguished pharmacist and pharmacologist with a master’s degree from Makerere University. He has made significant contributions to Uganda’s healthcare sector and has been instrumental in improving access to life-saving medications.
Judith Alyek: A politician and public health specialist with experience in maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and nutrition. She has served as the District Woman Representative for Kole District since 2016 and leads the Lango Parliamentary Group.
Sam Blick Okello: A lawyer and advocate of the High Court, with a strong background in leadership and community service. He is a strong fan of Manchester United and has a passion for improving the lives of his constituents.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with the winner likely to be decided by a narrow margin.