As Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi prepares to relocate her political base to Lira City, attention has now shifted to Oyam County South, where eight aspirants have expressed interest in replacing her ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Among the hopefuls is Ms Queen Dorothy Amolo, an entrepreneur-turned-politician who came second to Ms Amongi in the 2021 parliamentary elections. This time, she says, she is more prepared and confident that her community development record and strong grassroots support will propel her to victory.
In the 2021 race, Ms Amongi, running under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), won with 27,024 votes, while Ms Amolo, then an Independent, came second with 14,883 votes. Other candidates included Patrick Obong (NRM) with 5,504 votes, Ishaa Otto Amiza (Independent) with 1,205, Willy Odongo (Independent) with 1,032, Bernard Awuko (Independent) with 358, Alfred Okech (FDC) with 140, and Godfrey Odong (Independent) with 125.
With Ms Amongi turning her focus to Lira City, where she intends to challenge Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng for the Woman MP seat, the Oyam South race is wide open.
Those vying for the position include Ms Amolo (Ind), Mr Geoffrey Okullu (People’s Front for Freedom), Mr Ishaa Otto Amiza (NUP), Mr Patrick Ogwang Obura (NRM), Dr Anthony Obuku (Independent), Mr Bernard Awuku (Independent), Mr Geoffrey Owili (UPC), and Mr Patrick Ogwang (Independent).
‘Failure made me who I am’
Speaking recently during a homecoming event in Oyam, Ms Amolo reflected on her past political experiences and her resolve to keep trying.
‘When I contested in 2011, I was so broke. I had no penny, no bicycle, no income. I was just a girl from the university determined to lead,’ she recalled. ‘I campaigned with the help of those who had money, and even though I didn’t win, I came second. That contest made me who I am today.’
She added: ‘Failure is the ultimate key to success. Each time I failed, I learned something new. If I hadn’t stood then, I would probably be someone’s housewife. Those experiences made me who I am today.’
Ms Amolo said that while she had the time but lacked resources in 2011, the opposite was true in 2021.
‘You remember I joined the race just two weeks before elections, when others had been campaigning for months,’ she said. ‘I came on December 23, and the election was on January 12. But I am a force to reckon with. From that election, I became the queen of Oyam.’
She said her focus now is on education, health, infrastructure, and trade, adding that she plans to leverage her international networks to attract investment to the area.
Ms Amolo has already spearheaded the rehabilitation of a 17-kilometre community access road connecting Juma Parish to Zambia Parish, which she says has improved transport for farmers and school-going children.
The return of old faces
Former MP Ishaa Otto Amiza, who represented Oyam South between 2007 and 2011, is also in the race. He says his past achievements make him the right candidate to reclaim the seat.
‘I supported the construction of boreholes and springs, organised education conferences to improve PLE performance, and secured funds to rehabilitate schools,’ he said. ‘I stood firm against oppressive legislation like the Wildlife Act and the Land Amendment Bill.’
Independent candidate Dr Anthony Obuku, a public health specialist, said Oyam remains one of Uganda’s most underserved areas.
‘I will improve access to clean and safe water by drilling 100 more wells and provide 1,000 computers to schools,’ Dr Obuku said. ‘I also plan to attract investors for factories in soybeans, alcohol, and sunflower, and support semi-mechanized farming with affordable credit.’
NRM’s Patrick Ogwang Obura said he intends to ‘turn voters’ trust into transformation,’ focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
Former parliamentary staffer Mr Geoffrey Owili (UPC) said his campaign will centre on inclusive development for youth, women, teachers, and older persons. ‘These groups deserve improved service delivery,’ he said, citing livelihood projects he has already initiated in the constituency.
Key issues shaping the race
Analysts say the creation of Aber District, accountability, and service delivery will be central issues influencing voter decisions in Oyam South. The area registered 92,887 voters in the 2021 General Election, and competition is expected to intensify as 2026 approaches.
With Ms Amongi gone, the race for Oyam South promises to be one of the most closely watched contests in northern Uganda.