Will Ogwal survive UPC, NRM onslaught?

ELECTION WATCH | DOKOLO WOMAN MP 

Three women are tussling it out for the Dokolo Woman MP seat. Each of Uganda's top parties has presented its best.

The incumbent, Forum for Democratic Change's (FDC) Cecilia Ogwal, is facing Janet Rose Adongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Sarah Aguti of Uganda People's Congress (UPC).

Since Dokolo was granted district status in July 2006, the seat has always been held by Ogwal.

What Aguti says

Aguti, who stood in 2016 and lost to Ogwal, said she has returned to correct some of the mistakes she made during campaigns in order to win the seat.

Aguti, a social worker with experience in working with non-governmental organisations, has promised to do better things for Dokolo.

"Whereas there are some people who serve the community and leave the political scene, there are others that have to be forced out by not voting for them," she said.

Aguti said her interest is to see that Lake Kyoga is utilised in the most profitable way.

As a UPC party candidate, which does not have a presidential flag-bearer, Aguti said she is willing to work with anybody who will be elected president.

Aguti said she wants to also give health priority, especially fighting cervical cancer, adding that she will also focus on education for the girl child.

The UPC candidate also promised to fight corruption.

"We all know corruption is a menace in our country. This needs to be fought," she said.

Aguti also said a number of older persons were disadvantaged when the beneficiary age for Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment was raised to 80 years.

She pledged to lobby so that the age is reduced to 60.

What ogwal promises

While Aguti can only promise, Ogwal said she will continue to do the good things she has done for Dokolo in the past if re-elected.

On her campaign poster, Ogwal said she will fight to have iron sheets on all churches.

Ogwal said her priority is to protect people's land while also fighting corruption.

The incumbent added that she will continue rooting for health and education if she returns to Parliament.

Ogwal pledged to support farmers and rights of women and children. She also promised to start savings and credit cooperative groups to fight poverty.

What Adongo pledges

Adongo, who has a background of working in different disciplines, said she did not want to talk much.

"I do not have to advertise myself.  As a member of NRM and flag-bearer, Dokolo voters should expect a difference in my leadership when I am elected. The current NRM manifesto shows that not only Dokolo will benefit but also the whole country," she said.  

Adongo added that as long as there is peace and security in Uganda, she will prioritise the interests of her voters, but in line with the party manifesto.

Adongo, who is new in Dokolo politics, said health, education and infrastructure are some of the things she wants improve.