By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | Grace Abote, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) flag bearer for the Otuke District Woman Member of Parliament seat, has confirmed that she will be nominated on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Electoral Commission offices in Otuke Town Council.
Abote will be contesting against two rivals: incumbent legislator and National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Susan Abeja Okello and Rosemary Akullu, who is running as an independent candidate.
The nomination marks the official start of what is expected to be one of the most closely contested races in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
Despite not holding an elective office, Abote has gained visibility through ongoing community projects.
Her initiatives include repairing and opening community access roads in Ogwete, Olilim, Okwang, and Otuke Town Council, rehabilitating non-functional boreholes across all 14 subcounties in Otuke District to improve access to clean water, providing both material and financial support to women’s savings groups to strengthen household incomes, supporting candidate classes during national examinations with scholastic materials and welfare support, contributing to churches across various denominations to promote spiritual and community development, and distributing sports equipment to youth clubs to promote talent development and youth engagement.
Abote said her decision to run was a response to the “urgent needs and persistent calls” from the people of Otuke, stating that residents require a leader focused on practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.
If elected, Abote has pledged to prioritise investment in education infrastructure, agricultural support programmes, improved healthcare delivery, and economic empowerment for women and youth.
She noted that these sectors are critical for lifting Otuke District out of poverty and driving long-term development.
Her entry into the race has generated significant attention, with supporters saying her nomination signals a new chapter in Otuke politics.
Abote’s nomination on Wednesday will officially launch her campaign, setting the stage for a three-way contest that is expected to shape political dynamics in Otuke ahead of the 2026 polls.
