Otuke, Uganda | Otuke District has carved out a unique political identity in Uganda, consistently electing a new Woman Member of Parliament every five years since its establishment.
The trend, which began with the district’s creation in 2010, reflects voters’ preference for periodic change and fresh leadership.
Formed on 17 July 2010 after being carved out of Lira District, Otuke has never re-elected an incumbent Woman MP, a record unmatched by any other district in the Lango Subregion.
The district’s first Woman MP, Annet Nyakecho, was elected on the NRM ticket in 2011.
A businesswoman originally from Tororo who married into Otuke, she served one term before moving on to represent Tororo North County in the subsequent Parliament.
She was succeeded by Silvia Akello (2016–2021), who also served a single term before being defeated in the 2021 polls.
The current MP, Susan Jolly Abeja (2021–present), continues the district’s pattern of one-term representation.
She is again on the NRM ticket for the upcoming 2026 general election, where she faces stiff competition from four other contenders.
The five candidates nominated for the Woman MP race include Grace Abote (UPC), Susan Jolly Abeja (NRM – Incumbent), Akullo Rose Mary (Independent), Adur Norah (Independent), and Ogwang Paska (DP).
Across Otuke, growing grassroots support appears to be rallying behind UPC candidate Grace Abote, whose community-based initiatives have gained visibility in several sub-counties.
Residents from different parts of the district said they believe Abote represents the kind of leadership the community needs.
In Okwang Subcounty, Tonny Ogwang noted that of the three previous MPs, no UPC candidate had ever won, but he believed Abote stood out as the most capable contender in this election.
In Orum Subcounty, Odongo James observed that Abote had repaired several boreholes across Otuke, including in Okwang Opejal and Got-Ojwang villages, describing her as a leader who addresses community needs through practical action.
Other supporters such as Onguu Jasper (Olilim), Odany Robert (Adwari), and Apar Jasper (Ogor) also commended Abote for her development initiatives.
They pointed to her role in road rehabilitation works at Wii Dam in Ogwete Subcounty, Anam Okoko Kongo Bridge, and Odite Bridge in Otuke Town Council.
They further cited her continued support to churches and women’s groups across the district as evidence of her commitment to inclusive development.
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, Otuke voters are at another turning point, to continue their habit of replacing Woman MPs every term or break tradition by re-electing the incumbent.
