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As the by-election for the Dokolo District woman Member of Parliament draws nearer, leaders of three political parties have pitched camp and intensified votes hunting for their candidates for the by-election scheduled for next Thursday.

Among the party bigwigs, hunting votes for their candidates include the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena, also MP Lira City East Division, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, the National Resistance Movement (NRMo director of mobilization Rosemary Sennide and former UPC strongman, Joseph Otheino.

Several UPC legislators from the Lango sub-region and LC5 chairpersons have thrown their weight behind the party flag-bearer.

FDC secretary general Nandala Mafabi campaigning at Owongodul, Dokolo. (Photo by Patrick Okino)

Seven candidates are fighting to replace the former district woman Member of Parliament, Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal who died on January 18, 2024, at a hospital in India. The Electoral Commission has slated March 21, 2024, for the by-election.

Candidates eyeing the seat are UPC’s Sarah Aguti Nyangkori, Dr Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal of FDC, Janet Rose Adongo Elau of NRM, Harriet Ageno of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Dr Grace Lalam, Dr Esther Akullo Obot and Rebecca Arao.

Lalam, Akullo and Arao are running on independent tickets. FDC Secretary General Nandala Mafabi hit the ground on Friday and joined the campaign trail for Dr Alwoc Ogwal. Alwoc is the daughter of former MP Cecilia Ogwal.

Improving health service delivery, education, infrastructure, fighting against poverty, promoting girl child education and fighting for the rights of fishing communities in both Lake Kioga and Kwania, which borders the district has since dominated the search for votes.

Janet Rose Adongo Elau of NRM campaigning at Bata, Dokolo district. (Photo by Patrick Okino)

Another issue featuring prominently is the upgrade of Dokolo Health Centre IV to a district hospital.

President Yoweri Museveni, according to Sennide, is expected to campaign for the NRM flag-bearer, Elau on the 19th. The President is expected to hold a rally at Iguli Primary School in Dokolo Town Council and Amatiburu in Kwera sub-county.