Opposition parties nominate joint candidate for Amuru by-elections

Opposition political parties under their umbrella the ‘United Opposition’ have nominated Ms Lucy Akello to contest for the Amuru Woman MP in the upcoming by-elections.
The resolution was reached during the joint opposition meeting held in Amuru.
During the vetting session, Ms Akello beat UPC’s Grace Auma and DP’s Concy Adoch Nyapolo to emerge winner.
Speaking to Daily Monitor, Aswa County Member of Parliament Reagan Okumu, said with the selection of a single opposition candidate, there is no doubt that the opposition will win the by- election.

“We had delayed to get the nomination form because we had not yet decided as opposition on our flag bearer. All is set now and all the three party leaders will intensify campaigns in the area,” he said.
Mr Okumu, noted that the battle the Opposition are fighting at the moment is just a recovery battle adding that the seat was once occupied by opposition party member.
The Amuru district FDC party Chairperson, Mr Michael Lakony, said as opposition, they have taken a bold move in vetting only one candidate to indicate cooperation and unity.
“We have always known Amuru district as a house hold for the opposition party. NRM has no place in this race and they are already intimidated by our single candidate,”
Ms Akello, formerly worked with Justice and peace commission in Kitgum District before she was transferred to Gulu arch Diocese.
Shortly after her nomination, Ms Akello told Daily Monitor that her major concern is girl child education that is still a challenge in the district.

“Many girls are still being married off in the name of getting dowry. I will promote women empowerment self-help groups and SACCOs. We have learnt that many young girls are married off, simply because there is no one to fend for their families and if the entire family is supported through such projects, they would have no more cases of early marriages, since girls will be given a chance to compete favorably like the boys,” she said.
Ms Akello will have to face NRM candidate who will win the NRM primaries scheduled for October 31.
Those who were nominated in the NRM primaries are, Ms Gloria Abalo and Jane Frances Amongin OKilli.
Amuru woman MP seat fell vacant after the former minister for water and then MP Betty Bigombe resigned for a World Bank job.