The political temperature in Soroti soared on Wednesday as Joan Alobo, the incumbent Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament, was successfully nominated to seek re-election in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
Her nomination at the Soroti City Electoral Commission offices was marked by jubilation, chants, and songs of praise from hundreds of supporters who filled the streets.
Alobo, running under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, used the occasion to reaffirm her commitment to fair and equal service delivery across Soroti City.
She said her leadership will continue to address the real needs of ordinary citizens, ensure transparency in government programs, and empower women and youth.
Speaking shortly after her nomination, Alobo pledged to fight for equality in the distribution of government resources.
“Soroti City belongs to all of us—the rich, the poor, the women, the men, the youth, and the elderly. My pledge is simple: equality and fairness in service delivery. Every household deserves a share of the development that we struggle for,” she said.
Among her top priorities is the cattle restocking and rehabilitation program for the Teso Sub-region, an issue central to her political activism.
Alobo is widely credited for spearheading the “No Cow, No Vote” campaign, which pushed the government to respond to the plight of the Iteso people who lost livestock during insurgencies and cattle raids.
Her campaign drew national attention, and President Museveni’s government eventually launched the cattle rehabilitation project for Teso, a move many attribute to Alobo’s persistent advocacy.
“The cattle rehabilitation project must benefit the rightful people,” Alobo said.
“I will not sit back and watch any form of corruption or favoritism in the process. Every family that lost their cows deserves justice through this program.”
Alobo also highlighted education, health, and infrastructure as key pillars of her next term. She pledged to continue lobbying for better schools, health facilities, clean water, and improved roads across Soroti City.
“We have made progress, but we are not yet where we should be. My next term will be about deepening the gains we’ve made, ensuring every child stays in school, every mother gets proper healthcare, and every youth has access to opportunities,” she added.
Analysts predict a spirited contest in Soroti City, with supporters describing Alobo as “the voice of the voiceless” and “a fearless defender of Teso’s interests.”
As campaigns officially kick off, Alobo’s message of equality, justice, and accountability is expected to form the backbone of her re-election bid, grounded in her record of activism and people-centered leadership.
