Lira, Uganda | Former Oyam South parliamentary aspirant Queen Dorothy Amolo has revealed that financial constraints and alleged unethical demands cost her the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) ticket when she first attempted to join elective politics in 2011.
Appearing on Tuesday on Oroma TV and QFM Yite-Twolo Morning Talk-Back programme hosted by Paul Odom Aryam and James Omara Elem, Amolo said that shortly after graduating from university, she sought to contest for the Woman Member of Parliament seat for Apac District but failed to secure party endorsement because she lacked money and refused to compromise her values.
She explained that some individuals allegedly tried to subject her to sexual manipulation in exchange for political support, but she declined, choosing to uphold her conscience.
Amolo further disclosed that despite the setback, she has never abandoned her political ambitions and remains determined to rise to the highest office in the country.
She said she intends to contest for the presidency in the future and believes she has the capacity and resources to finance such a campaign.
During the programme, callers asked whether she would consider contesting in the proposed Aber District once it is established.
In response, Amolo cautioned residents against having unrealistic expectations, noting that the creation of a new district is not solely dependent on presidential promises.
She explained that the process must go through Parliament and that, at the moment, lawmakers have not yet been sworn in, making immediate approval unlikely.
On the state of development in Oyam District, Amolo argued that the area does not suffer from extreme poverty or major structural challenges.
Instead, she attributed slow progress in Oyam South to what she described as laziness and negative attitudes towards work.
She urged residents to embrace productivity and self-reliance and to stop depending on handouts and political donations for survival.
When asked about her background, Amolo shared her life story, highlighting her humble beginnings in Kamdini.
She said she grew up walking barefoot to Kamdini Primary School and pursuing her education with determination despite limited resources.
She added that she studied on bursaries at Ibuje Secondary School, Amuca SDA, and Kigumba High School before joining Makerere University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
Amolo said her early experiences in sports and academics helped to shape her discipline, resilience, and leadership qualities.
Reflecting on her political journey, she noted that her first attempt in 2011, although unsuccessful, laid the foundation for her later involvement in leadership and community mobilisation.
She later contested for the Oyam South parliamentary seat but lost. However, she said the defeat strengthened her resolve rather than discouraging her and provided her with valuable lessons for future contests.
She emphasised that she remains committed to public service and to engaging directly with ordinary people to understand their needs and challenges.
The programme focused on Amolo’s next political steps following her loss in the Oyam South race and her long-term vision for leadership.
She said she believes women and young people should take a more active role in national leadership and governance, adding that she is preparing herself for higher responsibilities in the future.
Queen Dorothy Amolo is a US-based investor and Ugandan politician who actively participated in the 2026 electoral cycle.
She initially declared her interest in the Ugandan presidency under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket in 2023 but later shifted her focus to parliamentary politics.
The 2026 polls have not been without controversy, as Amolo petitioned the Electoral Commission after discovering that her name was incorrectly printed as “Queen Dorothy Alweng” instead of “Queen Dorothy Amolo” on the ballot papers.
Politically, she previously contested for the same seat in 2021, finishing second to the current Gender Minister, Betty Amongi.
Despite being a prominent NRM member, Amolo has faced internal friction, including issuing a formal notice in 2025 to sue the party for over UGX 104 million in damages following her alleged unlawful disqualification during the NRM primaries for the Oyam North by-election.
Before her full-time political career, Amolo lived in the United States, where she built a career as an investor.
She later partnered with the late Minister Charles Okello Engola on development projects in Northern Uganda, combining her professional expertise with her political ambitions.
