Ministers in Kitgum face intensifying political tensions ahead of 2026 polls
Speaking to New Vision Online, Oryem described the rumours as typical political manoeuvres, insisting he bears no ill will toward any of his colleagues.
NRM party flag-bearer for Chua East County Henry Okello Oryem (state foreign affairs) during an interview shortly after his nomination. (Photos by Christopher Nyeko)
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Political tension is simmering in Kitgum district as speculation grows over a behind-the-scenes power struggle involving three ministers, each seeking to secure their political and ministerial future ahead of the 2026 General Election.
The ministers at the centre of the alleged rivalry are National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag-bearer for Chua East County Henry Okello Oryem (state foreign affairs); Beatrice Atim Anywar (state for water and environment), who is eyeing the Kitgum Municipality seat; and Lillian Aber (sate for disaster relief and preparedness) who seeks to retain her position as Kitgum Woman MP.
Rumours of political undercurrents
Across Kitgum Municipality and its trading centres, residents claim Oryem is quietly working to undermine Aber by backing Margret Lamwaka Odwar to challenge her for the Woman MP seat.
Lillian Aber (sate for disaster relief and preparedness) who seeks to retain her position as Kitgum Woman MP showing her nomination form after she was declared a candidate.
Oryem and Lamwaka both lost the 2021 NRM primaries: Oryem to Godfrey Luwo in Chua East, after which Lamwaka ran as an independent and won, allegedly with Oryem’s financial support.
With the next election approaching, Lamwaka is now shifting her bid to the Woman MP race, fuelling talk that she is acting on Oryem’s influence. Oryem, however, dismisses the claims.
These are political tricks
Speaking to New Vision Online, Oryem described the rumours as typical political manoeuvres, insisting he bears no ill will toward any of his colleagues.
“Everyone has the right to contest for any position,” he said, denying allegations of directing Lamwaka or targeting fellow ministers.
He added that Kitgum is fortunate to have three ministers and expressed hope that one might be elevated to a Cabinet position in the next reshuffle.
Anywar distances herself from talk of disunity
Anywar said her relationship with the other ministers remains cordial.
She said her appointment was a gesture of trust from the President after controversies surrounding the 2021 polls.
She maintained that her focus is on representing constituents rather than securing ministerial status.
“My priority is not to become a minister. It is to represent my people and speak on their behalf,” she said.
Anywar noted that she has effectively run the Ministry of Water and Environment in the absence of the senior minister, adding that she is satisfied with her record should someone else be appointed.
Beatrice Atim Anywar (state for water and environment), who is eyeing the Kitgum Municipality seat adressing the media.
Attempts to obtain a comment from Minister Aber were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to repeated calls.
Crowded political fields in kitgum
However, Aber is facing Margret Lamwaka Odwar (Independent) and Roselyn Alanyo Olobo (Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC)) in the race for the parliamentary seat.
In Chua East, Oryem is contesting against John Calvin Okoya (Independent), who claims votes from Orom East were omitted during the recent NRM primaries and Johnathan Onencan, a musician and candidate for the Democratic Front party.
Anywar, meanwhile, faces a strong lineup in Kitgum Municipality, including Denis Onekalit Amere (Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)), who defeated her in 2021, Jimmy Olanya Olenge Komakech (UPC), Richard Okello Rambo (Independent), Gloria Lamara (PFF), Richard Okidi (Independent).
Church steps in to mediate wrangles
On November 22, 2025, Gulu Archdiocese bishop Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, convened a mediation meeting with key Kitgum politicians in an effort to ease tension.
Sources say the discussions sought to address growing discord among the leaders. Anywar confirmed attending the meeting and said she is willing to abide by the guidance provided.
Pressure to maintain constituency support
According to multiple political observers, the ministers’ anxiety stems from fears that the president may decline to reappoint leaders who lack firm grassroots support.|
Anywar expressed concern about strengthening her constituency base, noting the link between political backing and Cabinet influence.
Similar concerns were echoed by Justice minister Norbert Mao, who said the President tasked him to seek a mandate from the people of Laroo-Pece in Gulu city.
Minister Oryem also admitted that holding a constituency seat gives a minister greater legitimacy:
“A constituency gives you a stronger voice to advocate for your people. Without it, your position depends entirely on the president’s discretion.”