Ex-miniser Bakoko eyes comeback in Arua’s Ayivu East

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Former gender, labour and social development minister Zoe Bakoko Bakoru has declared her intention to contest for the Ayivu Division East parliamentary seat in Arua city in the 2026 general elections.

Speaking to the press on June 7, 2025, Bakoko said her leadership would focus on community transformation, particularly in the sectors of health and education. She explained that her decision to return to active politics was motivated by persistent appeals from local residents.

Bakoko also called for unity among the people of Ayivu, stressing that cohesion is vital for meaningful development and lasting peace in the region.

Meanwhile, former Makerere University guild president, Lawrence Alionzi, has defended his decision to cross from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

While addressing the media at the Arua Diocese Youth Centre, Alionzi announced his intention to run for Arua city mayor on the NRM ticket.

He stated that the city is currently divided and in urgent need of healing, vowing to be an active political player capable of restoring unity.



Alionzi, who served as Makerere's 88th guild president after winning the December 2022 election on the NUP ticket, was received into the ruling party by secretary general Richard Todwong.