Gilbert Olanya, the Member of Parliament for Kilak South, says he plans to run for chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG). The APG executive’s term in the 11th Parliament ended last month after five years led by Kilak North MP Anthony Akol, whose leadership was often controversial. Olanya says he wants to restore what he calls the group’s lost glory.
Olanya said he has been asked by some of the MPS from Acholi to contest because they believe he is capable of strengthening and guiding the caucus.
Olanya said that despite being an opposition legislator contesting against predominantly National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs from the sub-region, he believes the current political environment favors leaders who prioritize the interests of the Acholi people over party affiliation.
He criticized the APG leadership in the 11th Parliament, accusing them of pursuing personal interests and aligning more with government agendas than addressing the concerns of the Acholi people.
Olanya specifically accused outgoing APG chairperson Anthony Akol, who defected last year from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party to the ruling NRM party, of using the caucus to advance government interests.
Olanya outlined several priorities he intends to focus on if elected APG chairperson, including fostering unity among leaders in the sub-region, addressing unresolved land disputes, and pushing for cattle compensation.
However, Olanya himself has not been free from controversy within the APG leadership during the 11th Parliament. Some legislators have previously accused him of frustrating the progress of the association.
In February 2024, Olanya was accused of backing the controversial election of Agago North MP Amos John Okot as APG chairperson, deputized by Gulu City Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan, while Kitgum Municipality MP Denis Onekalit Amere was elected deputy secretary general.
Some legislators have since reacted to Olanya’s candidature, arguing that while they do not oppose his bid, APG requires a neutral leader in the 12th Parliament.
Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the Bardege-Layibi Division MP, told Uganda Radio Network in an interview on Wednesday that the caucus needs a neutral contestant capable of uniting leaders across political divides.
He argued that the next APG leadership should focus on reconciliation and restoring unity among leaders from the Acholi sub-region, but noted that the legislators from the region must first meet before an election is held.
“My own opinion is that when you look at the source of conflict in the previous APG, there were people who were actively involved in starting this internal conflict. So I think right now we should get a more neutral person or a neutral team that can bring all the different people together.” Said Mapenduzi.
Despite his reservations, Mapenduzi clarified that he has no personal problem with Olanya or other leaders he disagreed politically during the previous election cycle.
“I don’t have any personal problem with Honourable Gilbert Olanya,” he said. “Our disagreements should be around ideas and opinions, not personal attacks.” He said.
The outgoing APG Chairperson, Akol, has clarified in an interview on Wednesday that he won’t be seeking reelection.
The APG, formed in 1989, has historically served as a regional caucus through which legislators jointly advocate for issues affecting the Acholi sub-region regardless of political party affiliation-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
