Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders continue to traverse the Dokolo district in search of votes for their flag bearer Dr Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal, the daughter of former Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Barbra Atim Ogwal.

On March 16, 2024, the FDC team led by party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat traversed Dokolo North where they campaigned in Bata sub-county, Bata Town Council, Agwata sub-county, and Agwata Town Council.

Amuriat while briefing reporters said they have been received warmly wherever they went in the district and described it as a smooth campaign. 

He observed that Alwoc is best suited to carry the legacy of her mother Cecilia Ogwal who was a competent legislator, a development worker, and a human rights activist.

He said the party’s candidate was trained by her mother, knew and participated in community work, supporting the programs of her mother while she was still alive.

“She is somebody who is hands-on, done work before for the good of the people of Dokolo and we believe that she understands local issues, the core of our message to the people,” Amuriat said. 

Amuriat called for tolerance and respect for one another ahead of Thursday’s polls after their convoy was reportedly attacked and some of the people injured.

When asked about the capability of the party’s candidate, Amuriat said Dr Alwoc is well educated having studied law and economics up to PhD level.

Amuriat said she worked with local and central governments and worked as an advisor to the UK Prime Minister, making her a suitable, well-connected candidate.

He said they will use the structures left by the late Cecilia Ogwal to guard their votes

Amuriat paid tribute to the FDC parish leader in Agwata, Tom Iyek, who was run over by a trailer on the Soroti-Lira highway and urged road users to be careful as the road is very busy.

Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu urged the people in the area, mostly of Kuman descent, to vote for Alwoc.

FDC secretary general Nadala Mafabi said Mama Cecilia was a mother who mentored him and he believes her daughter who is well-learned will make a better legislator

Legacy to continue

Alwoc started by commending the people for warmly welcoming her, saying love is what they used to give her late mother.

After addressing them briefly in Luo, Alwoc switched to English and the voters were awed.

She said her mother was able to make domestic issues in Dokolo regional, national, and international.

Alwoc pointed out that her mother was working on a tourism project at Kangai, a place where British colonialists arrested Kabaka Muwanga and Omukama Kabalega.

She said her mother was of the view that cultural artefacts lying in museums in the UK should be brought back to the Dokolo tourist site to earn income.

Alwoc added that her mother was also fighting for human rights such as the right to education of children which she will carry forward.

The seven candidates contesting for the seat include Grace Anna Lalam, Esther Akullo Obot, and Rebecca Arao, all independent candidates. Others are, Sarah Aguti (UPC), Harriet Ageno (NUP), Janet Rose Adongo Elau Okello (NRM), and Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal (FDC).

NUP president Kyagulanyi Sentamu arrived in Dokolo on Sunday to support his party’s candidate Harriet Ageno.