Pader rallies behind MP Wellborn Odiya, Dr. Samuel Odonga Otto, Omony Alfred Ogaba, MP Lowila CD Oketayot, Hon. MP Santa Okot, Aciro Lucy Otim, MP Komakech christopher, for cabinet slot as Kyankwanzi retreat intensifies.
By Okidi Patrick
KYANKWANZI — As the high-level NRM retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) enters its final stages, a wave of excitement has swept through Pader District following a bold appeal by the Aruu North Member of Parliament, Hon. Otoober Wellborn Odiya.
During a direct engagement with President Yoweri Museveni, Hon. Odiya highlighted the historical absence of Pader natives in the national cabinet, reportedly telling the President that his constituents “do not even know how a minister looks like.”
Addressing the NRM National Chairman ( H.E. the Presisent of the Republic of Uganda), Odiya noted that despite Pader’s consistent and high-percentage support for the ruling party exibited in tge recent January , 2026 the district has been absent from ministerial appointments for years. The only prominent figure from the area to have served in such a capacity long ago was Alfred Omony Ogaba, a former Minister of State for Sports.
The MP’s “ice-breaker” remarks at the retreat have resonated deeply with residents in the Acholi sub-region, who are now urging the President to reward the district’s loyalty either with the position of Minister in-charge Northern Uganda or minister of trade and industry.
Voters List Top Candidates:
Voters across the district of Pader, and Lamwo, have begun identifying potential candidates for the President’s consideration in the upcoming 12th Parliament cabinet reshuffle:
- Hon. Otoober Wellborn Odiya (Aruu North MP – elect ): Widely backed by youth and local traders for the Ministry of Trade and Industry or Minister incharge Northern Uganda.
- Hon. Lowila CD Oketayot: Recommended by voters like Opio Reagan from Pajule Town council particularly for the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Hon. Santa Okot: A serving legislator of Aruu North seen as a strong contender for ministerial post bdue to her political experience.
- Hon. Odonga Samuel Otto: Proposed by some of residents from pader toen council example, Aciro Christine Okidi sId Otto is bedt for the Minister of Works and Transport, citing the district’s currently impassable roads during the rainy season.
- Alfred Omony Ogaba: The former minister of sports is still held in high regard for his past performance and is being suggested for a return to the executive.
- Hon. Christopher Komakech: A fresh and energetic face identified as a possible appointeefor ministry of Water and environment.
- Aciro Lucy Otim: Former Aruu North MP who is a young blood and energetic person fit for ministry of Gender, labour and social development.
Urgent Need for Representation:
Residents argue that having a minister from Pader would bridge the service delivery gap, particularly in infrastructure. “Our roads are in a terrible state this rainy season from Acholibur, Pajule- Latanya -Kilak Corner to Kalongo, Rackoko-puranga and Awere sub-counties,. We need one of our own, like Odonga Otto or Wellborn Odiya, in the works ministry to ensure Pader is not left behind,” Aciro Christine, a resident of Pader Town, stated.
The NRM Kyankwanzi retreat, which focuses on ideological alignment and national priorities, is expected to conclude on April 15, 2026. The President’s final decision on the cabinet remains a subject of intense speculation as the 12th Parliament prepares for inauguration in May.
Some of the voters are saying two ministers in Acholi sub-region should be replaced by new MPs because some of them are non-performers in term of service delivery.
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