Women in Tororo District are stepping up demands for political accountability ahead of the 2026 general elections, voicing dissatisfaction with the performance of current leaders and calling for meaningful representation.
During a belated International Women’s Day celebration held in Petta Subcounty, frustration and a strong desire for change dominated the atmosphere. Women at the event insisted that every aspiring leader must clearly account for their achievements and prove their commitment to community welfare before earning another term.
Leading the charge was Ambassador Phibby Awere Otaala, former Ugandan High Commissioner to Kenya and a contender for the Tororo Woman Parliamentary seat.
“For too long, we women have been used by politicians, only to be forgotten after elections,” said Amb. Awere. “This time, those elected in 2021 need to explain what they have done for this district since we voted for them.”
Her remarks drew loud cheers from the crowd, many of whom echoed the sentiment of being overlooked and underrepresented.
Another parliamentary aspirant, Rose Mary Abbo, reinforced Awere’s message and cited the recent Uganda Women’s Parliament as an example of Tororo’s exclusion from national platforms.
“I watched the entire session on TV hoping to see a woman from Tororo, but there wasn’t one,” she said. “This shows we must choose wisely. We need leaders who understand our needs and can help us tap into national opportunities.”
Current Woman MP Sarah Achieng Opendi urged women to remain calm and take advantage of existing government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the GROW initiative.
“But when you receive this money, don’t use it to buy mattresses. Make sure it transforms your lives,” she advised.
Still, many women felt that more targeted support was needed. A petition presented during the celebration called for greater action beyond government programs and highlighted the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which they said is rampant in the district.
“We appreciate the government programs, but the most urgent issue is empowering women,” said Joyce Abbo, Speaker of Petta Subcounty. “Domestic violence is out of control. Women are being beaten daily and left helpless, with no leader stepping in to help.”
The event was also attended by Tororo District Chairman John Okea, LC5 aspirant Paul Mich, and several other political hopefuls. The gathering underscored rising political tensions in the district and the growing influence of women in shaping Tororo’s future.
With women now more united, vocal, and determined, the 2026 elections are shaping up to be a defining moment in Tororo—not just a contest for political seats, but a broader fight for gender equality, accountability, and transformative leadership.
