Members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG), an umbrella body bringing together Members of Parliament from Acholi, are set to elect a new chairperson on Wednesday, Uganda Radio Network has learned.The election, which will take place during the ongoing legislators’ induction retreat at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The election is expected to usher in a new executive to steer the caucus, whose mandate is to champion the region’s development agenda, advocate for shared interests and strengthen a common voice on issues affecting Acholi.
Outgoing APG Chairperson Anthony Akol, who is also the Kilak North MP, confirmed that all legislators from the sub-region have been invited to participate in the election.
Under the APG constitution, executive committee members serve a two-year term, renewable by consensus. Akol, who was elected chairperson in July 2021, has served for five years. His tenure was, however, marked by internal disagreements that some members say weakened the caucus. The race for the chairmanship has attracted several contenders, including former APG Secretary General and Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya, and Gulu City Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan.
Uganda Radio Network has also established that Omoro District Woman MP Catherine Lamwaka is interested in the position, although she declined to confirm her candidature, saying she would wait for Wednesday’s election. Akol acknowledged that several influential legislators are seeking the position but argued that some long-serving members should step aside in the interest of neutrality. He specifically singled out Gilbert Olanya, accusing him of interfering in the affairs of the association in recent years.
Established in 1989, the APG has played a key role in lobbying for government interventions in the Acholi Sub-region, particularly during post-conflict recovery efforts. Bardege-Layibi Division MP Martin Ojara Mapenduzi confirmed he would attend the meeting, saying members had already begun confirming their participation. “I have confirmed participation. Honourable Nancy Achora is coordinating, and several members have already confirmed. Those who are yet to respond have indicated they will fall in line,” Mapenduzi said.
He emphasized that APG is a voluntary association exclusively for MPs from the Acholi Sub-region and that its operations are guided by rules agreed upon by its members. According to Mapenduzi, members will first agree on the association’s priorities before electing a new executive.
“The most important thing is not even the leadership. The most important thing is what are we up to as APG members? What do we want to achieve? The leaders come second,” he said.
He added that members would also agree on the ground rules for the election before choosing the new leadership by consensus.
However, Uganda Radio Network has established that some current and former legislators from the sub-region have criticised the short notice given for the election.
Joyce Acan Okeny, the outgoing chairperson of the APG Electoral Commission and MP representing Persons with Disabilities in Northern Uganda, said she was unaware of the planned General Assembly and election.
Okeny said she had not received any formal communication from the outgoing leadership and was uncertain whether she was still expected to oversee the electoral process.
She warned that the lack of transparency in organizing the election could undermine unity within the association.
“It tells me that things are still not going to be corrected if this is the direction we are taking. Even if I am the outgoing Electoral Commission chairperson, I should know what is going to take place. I don’t have any knowledge,” she said.
Gilbert Olanya said that if elected chairperson, his priority would be to unite Acholi legislators and strengthen collective lobbying for the region’s development-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
