Kilak North MP Anthony Akol has announced that he will not seek re-election as chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG), as the caucus prepares to elect its leaders in the 12th Parliament. Akol has chaired the sub-regional caucus since July 2021. His term during the 11th parliament was marked by internal disagreements and controversies.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network on Wednesday, Akol confirmed his decision not to contest again. He revealed that he has asked Lamwo District Woman MP Nancy Acora to organize the election process.
“I have officially communicated to members that I am not going to stand again for the elections, and I have assigned the Woman MP for Lamwo to organize the elections,” Akol said.
According to Akol, the elections are expected to take place later this week after members complete a review of the group’s constitution.
“What is going on now is that I have shared the constitution that we have, and members are going through it. If there is a need for amendment, they will communicate, and we shall sit and amend it before the election is done,” he explained.
Despite the controversies that characterized part of his tenure, Akol defended the performance of the APG under his leadership, arguing that the caucus remained united on key issues affecting the Acholi sub-region.
Among the achievements he cited was lobbying President Yoweri Museveni to issue an executive order banning commercial charcoal burning, a move he said helped curb environmental degradation in the region.
He also credited the caucus with pushing the government to address insecurity linked to Karamojong warriors, particularly in Agago and Kitgum districts, as well as advocating for solutions to land disputes in Apaa, a contested area between Amuru and Adjumani districts, and conflicts over Aswa Ranch in parts of Pader and Lamwo districts.
The APG has experienced internal wrangles in recent years. In April 2024, Acholi elders under the Wang Oo institution appointed the Minister of State for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Laroo-Pece Division MP, Norbert Mao, as interim chairperson of the caucus.
At the same time, Gulu City Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan and Lamwo District Woman MP Nancy Acora were appointed to help stabilize the group.
The elders’ intervention followed a disputed election held in February 2024 in which Agago North MP Amos John Okot was declared APG chairperson, with Betty Aol Ocan elected vice chairperson and Kitgum Municipality MP Denis Onekalit Amere elected deputy secretary general.
Betty Aol Ocan, however, said that while the APG needs fresh leadership in the 12th Parliament, she will not contest for any position and instead intends to provide guidance and mentorship to the incoming leaders.
Occan criticized the APG’s performance during the 11th Parliament, describing the caucus as weak, disorganized, and lacking transparency. She accused some leaders of using the caucus for personal gain instead of advancing the collective interests of the Acholi sub-region.
“The 11th Parliament APG was not right. It was weak and fraudulent. As an organized group, sometimes you receive funding. If funding is received under a grouping, there must be transparency and accountability,” Ocan said. She also noted that monthly contributions previously made by members ceased during Akol’s tenure.
Uganda Radio Network understands that members had been contributing 100,000 shillings per month towards sustaining the caucus, although some legislators reportedly considered the amount inadequate.
She urged members not to turn the upcoming elections into a contest for prestige, emphasizing that leadership positions within the APG should be viewed as responsibilities rather than symbols of status.
Although legislators are expected to meet later this week to discuss the transition and elect a new executive, no member representing the 28 constituencies in the Acholi sub-region has formally declared interest in the chairpersonship.
Formed in 1989, the Acholi Parliamentary Group has historically served as a platform through which legislators, regardless of political affiliation, jointly advocate for issues affecting the Acholi sub-region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
