By OKIDI PATRICK
GULU, UGANDA — As anticipation mounts over an impending cabinet reshuffle and the Speakership race for the 12th Parliament of Uganda, the shifting political atmosphere in the Acholi sub-region has triggered intense debate. Many local constituents strongly believe that presidential deployment or appointment of any of the prominent leaders from the region could decisively fast-track the national wealth creation agenda. H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has an excellent pool of highly experienced, loyal, and technically competent Acholi figures capable of transforming grassroots livelihoods of the socio-e onomic transformation in the Acholi Sub-region.
1. Norbert Mao: The candidate for speakership:
- Current Status: Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs; MP-elect, Laroo-Pece Division (Gulu City).
- The Profile: Mao secured a powerful return to Parliament during the general elections, polling 7,359 votes to defeat the incumbent, Fr. Charles Onen (5,562 votes). Recently re-elected as Democratic Party (DP) President General for a fourth term, Mao maintains a strategic alliance under the NRM-DP Cooperation Agreement. He has officially launched his bid for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, campaigning to crush grand corruption and restore institutional integrity.
2. Hon. Barrister Edward Makmot Otto: The Legal Heavyweight
- Current Status: MP for Agago County (2026–2031); Candidate for Deputy Speaker.
- The Profile: A highly uniquely decorated international lawyer, Canadian Barrister, and Solicitor, Otto is advocating for maturity, seniority, and regional balance in the Deputy Speakership race. Having successfully served as the Vice Chairperson of the Rules, Privileges, and Discipline Committee in the 10th Parliament, his mastery of parliamentary procedures and deep international corporate exposure make him an ideal asset for a prominent executive role.
3. Hon. Lowila CD Oketayot: Pader’s Mobilizer
- Current Status: Newly elected Woman MP and NRM District Chairperson for Pader District.
- The Profile: Lowila engineered a massive political comeback to reclaim her seat under the NRM banner. Given that Pader District has historically lacked a ministerial slot, local stakeholders believe appointing this seasoned administrative mobilizer would directly bridge the regional service delivery gap.
4. Hon. Lamwaka Catherine: The Policy Enforcer
- Current Status: Re-elected Woman MP for Omoro District.
- The Profile: Drawing from her robust field background as a former Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Lamwaka is widely respected for her hands-on approach. Her proven capability to closely monitor and implement complex government policies alongside her legislative roles qualifies her perfectly for an executive assignment.
5. Hon. Beatrice Akello Akori: The Economic Monitor
- Current Status: Minister of State for Economic Monitoring; Woman MP for Agago District.
- The Profile: Having secured a decisive second term following a unanimous endorsement from NRM delegates in Agago, Akori is a trusted hand in the Office of the President. Her extensive decade-long experience as an RDC in Apac and Nwoya equips her to fiercely protect public funds and track wealth creation projects.
6. Hon. Acan Joyce Okeny: Voice of the Vulnerable
- Current Status: Re-elected Member of Parliament representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
- The Profile: Highly recognized worldwide for her structured lobbying, Okeny remains a fierce advocate for increased funding within the disability sector. She continues to actively urge PWDs to participate fully in mainstream national development, making her a crucial inclusion asset for the state.
7. Hon. Eng. Hillary Onek Obaloker: The Institutional Pillar
- Current Status: Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees; MP-elect, Palabek County.
- The Profile: At 78, Eng. Onek represents historical consistency, having served as an MP in the greater Kitgum region since 2001. For a long time, he stood as the strongest NRM pillar in an area previously dominated by the opposition. With 25 years of unbroken cabinet service, his deep technocratic knowledge is an invaluable asset to Museveni’s administration.
8. Bosmic William Otim: The Grassroots Mobilizer
- Current Status: Senior Presidential Advisor on Wealth Creation.
- The Profile: Despite narrowly losing a highly competitive race in Bardege-Layibi Division to Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the iconic artist remains massively popular. His extensive mobilization tours across Karamoja, Acholi, Lango, and Ankole have successfully popularized government programs, proving he can inject fresh, practical ideas directly into a development-focused cabinet.
9. Professor Morris W. Ogenga Latigo: The Intellectual Giant
- Current Status: Former Leader of the Opposition (LoP); Senior Statesman.
- The Profile: The brilliant visionary who originally initiated the framework for the Amuru Sugar Works project possesses a vast repository of international and domestic governance knowledge. As an elite academic and seasoned legislative leader, Professor Latigo is perfectly poised for high-level technical deployment or economic advising.
10. Hon. Wellborn Ottober Odiya: Pader’s New Rising Star
- Current Status: Newly elected Member of Parliament for Aruu North County.
- The Profile: Odiya scored a resounding victory by polling 14,327 votes to unseat the incumbent, Santa Okot, anchoring an absolute NRM clean sweep across Pader District. His strategic address to the President during the NRM retreat at Kyankwanzi is viewed by analysts as a powerful indicator that he is ready to step into a ministerial role to implement grassroots development.
11. Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo: The Institutional Legacy
- Current Status: Retired Chief Justice of Uganda; Senior Jurist.
- The Profile: Beyond his stellar judicial career heading the third arm of state, Justice Owiny-Dollo has left a lasting legacy in the Acholi sub-region through peace mediation, educational philanthropy, cultural integration, and post-conflict community reconciliation. As a deeply respected legal patriarch, his statesman profile remains a crucial asset for guiding high-level national unity and policy implementation.These plus several others not included in the list are trusted by the Acholi community as competent for any possible position in the upcoming cabinet…
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