Only Lamwo elects female speaker as women lose ground in Acholi councils

The formation of political leadership in local governments across the Acholi sub-region has revealed a sharp decline in the number of women elected to top council leadership positions in the 2026–2031 term.

Findings gathered by New Vision show that only one woman, Doris Abalo of Lamwo district, was elected speaker among all district, city and municipal councils in the sub-region.

This contrasts with the 2021–2026 term, during which at least three women served as speakers.

They included Joyce Reni Alima, the inaugural speaker of Gulu city; Jane Naku of Amuru district; and Phoebe Ayoo Obol of Gulu district. Several other women also served as deputy speakers during the same period.

The speaker’s office plays a central role in local government administration. The speaker presides over council meetings, maintains order during proceedings, enforces council rules and procedures, and ensures council business is conducted in accordance with the law.

The office also links the council to the executive arm of the district and oversees council records and proceedings.

Gulu city

In the 2021–2026 term, Joyce Reni Alima served as the inaugural speaker of Gulu city, deputised by Lamex Akena Lambert. In the newly constituted council, Akena was elevated to city speaker, while Vanesa Anyango was elected deputy speaker.

Gulu district

Phoebe Ayoo Obol served as speaker of Gulu district during the 2021–2026 term, with William Obwoya as deputy speaker. In the 2026–2031 term, Kenneth Okello Doggy was elected speaker, deputised by Jennets Acan.

Kitgum district

Kitgum district has not elected a female speaker in the past two electoral terms.
During the 2021–2026 term, John Boscso Ocen served as speaker, with Noah Opoka as deputy speaker. In the new term, Charles Oryem Olweny was elected speaker, with Calvin W. Latigo as deputy speaker.

Kitgum Municipality

Regan Nokrach served as speaker of Kitgum Municipality during the 2021–2026 term, deputised by Michael Ivan Ocaya. In the 2026–2031 term, Emmanuel Oryema was elected speaker, while Beatrice Laker became deputy speaker.

Pader district

Wellborn Otober Odiya served as speaker of Pader district during the 2021–2026 term, with Samuel Okwera as deputy speaker. In the current term, Richard Ojok Olal was elected speaker, while Catherine Apiyo became deputy speaker.

Lamwo district

In Lamwo district, James Ochola Passy served as speaker during the 2021–2026 term, deputised by James Ocen. However, in the newly formed council, Doris Abalo was elected speaker, becoming the only female district speaker in Acholi for the 2026–2031 term. Bosco Odoki was elected deputy speaker.

Agago district

Samuel Ojok Kitang served as speaker of Agago district during the 2021–2026 term, with Hope Aringo as deputy speaker. In the new council, Ivan Oyet Odokonyero was elected speaker, deputised by Regina Lamwak.

Amuru district

Jane Naku served as speaker of Amuru district during the 2021–2026 term, with Richard Okwera as deputy speaker. In the current term, Robert Komkech was elected speaker, while Juliet Anek became deputy speaker.

Omoro district

Richard Bongowat Luganya served as speaker of Omoro district during the 2021–2026 term, deputised by Robinah Ayamo. In the 2026–2031 term, Francis Lamony was elected speaker, with Franklyn Laker as deputy speaker.

Nwoya district

Tony Okello served as speaker of Nwoya district during the 2021–2026 term, while Jenneth Akwero served as deputy speaker. In the new council, Holly Moses Ojok was elected speaker, with Jacob Ojok as deputy speaker.

Gulu city divisions

Laroo-Pece Division

During the 2021–2026 term, Geoffrey Oyoo served as speaker of Laroo-Pece Division, with Collins Atube Bolingo as deputy speaker. In the current term, Atube was elected speaker, while Solomon Rackara became deputy speaker.

Bardege-Layibi Division

Robert Komakech served as speaker of Bardege-Layibi Division from 2021 to 2026, deputised by Brian Openy. In the 2026–2031 term, Felix Adonyo was elected speaker, while Openy retained the deputy speaker position.

Declining female representation

The latest council formations indicate a decline in women occupying top council leadership positions across the Acholi sub-region.

For the past two electoral terms, Kitgum district and both divisions of Gulu city have not elected female speakers.

In the newly constituted councils, at least seven women were elected deputy speakers across Amuru, Gulu district, Omoro, Pader, Gulu city, Agago and Kitgum Municipality.

Laroo-Pece Division, Bardege-Layibi Division, Nwoya district and Kitgum district remain the only administrative units where both the speaker and deputy speaker positions are occupied by men.

Pastor Peter Obina said political analysts believe the trend may suggest that voters and councillors are more willing to support women in secondary leadership roles than in the top positions themselves.

The situation is particularly evident in districts such as Pader, Agago and Omoro, where women deputies serve alongside male speakers.

Former speakers join Parliament

Among the speakers who served during the 2021–2026 term, two have since joined the 12th Parliament.

Phoebe Ayoo Obol, the former speaker of Gulu District Council, was elected Woman MP for Gulu district, while Wellborn Odiya Ottober, former speaker of Pader district, became MP for Aruu County.

However, Joyce Reni Alima and Jane Naku, who both contested parliamentary seats, lost in their respective races.

The drop from three female speakers during the 2021–2026 term to only one female speaker in the 2026–2031 term underscores the continuing challenge of achieving gender balance in local government leadership across the Acholi sub-region.