Esther Akullo makes move to replace Cecelia Ogwal in Dokolo

By mid-March this year, Dokolo district will have a new Woman District Member of Parliament following the death of Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, 77, on January 18, 2024.

Akullo Esther Obot, the daughter of the late David Obot and Mary Tumusiime Obot, is hopeful that when the voters in Dokolo district cast their votes on March 21, 2024, they will pick her to be their woman MP.

Akullo, a businesswoman and Rotarian is currently camped in Dokolo laying strategy on how to win the race when the Electoral Commission okays them to traverse the district campaigning and wooing voters to vote for them.

“What is bringing me into this race is the unfinished business in Dokolo district and Uganda at large. Dokolo, just like most parts of Lango, has given Uganda the best brains,” Akullo said in an interview.

In the interview, Akullo points out the land issue, poor performances in the education sector, and creating a conducive environment to do business as some of the issues will quickly be fixed when she becomes MP.

“The issue of land is core for all Dokolo residents and this has caused conflict in some parts of Dokolo and even neighboring districts. Being the Chairperson of Uganda Land Owners Association, Northern Region, I have a personal task to ensure our people have equitable and just issues on this matter,” she said, promising.

Adding: “Dokolo district has social services that need attention. Dokolo district performed poorly in the last Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), why? These are the gaps that must be addressed, amongst others.”

She is described as a hardworking person who is well-connected and professional. “I also work, live, and bond well with all members of the communities at different levels of life in Dokolo,” she stated.

“The people of Dokolo should expect me to upscale the vast and rich experience that has turned me into a great leader. I will deliver when mandated by my constituents in all aspects. Government programs must continue,” she added.

Despite being a well-known National Resistance Movement cadre, Akullo has decided to vie for the seat as an independent candidate.

She said: “I am a known independent member of Dokolo. I am part of a politically diverse business Community. I have lived and worked in that community as a child, and now as an adult.”

Akullo could be an established entrepreneur across the country but she was born and raised in Dokolo. She attended Adok Primary School before insurgences in the 19080 and 1990s forced her to relocate to Mbale. In Mbale, she attended Fairway Primary School where she completed her primary education.

After passing Primary Seven, Akullo joined Nabumali High School in Mbale for her O levels. From Mbale, she came to Kampala and joined Makerere High School for her A levels. She then joined Makerere University to study for her undergraduate degree.

At Makerere University, Akullo studied Social Work and Social Administration (SWSA). She later returned to Makerere to study her Masters degree. Akullo also has a PhD in Economics.