Omoro Woman MP Race: No Competition for Lamwaka

Since its creation in 2016, the Omoro District Woman Member of Parliament seat has seen little competition from the opposition, with analysts predicting another easy win for incumbent Catherine Lamwaka in the 2026 elections.

Arthur Owor, a political scholar and Executive Director of the Center for African Research in Gulu City, attributes this to the district’s deep-rooted politics of patronage, which he says has hindered both development and political competition.

“For me, the real question is how Omoro can break free from the politics of patronage. The district heavily relies on appointments, compensation, and negotiations, which is problematic. It will remain dependent and struggle to develop independently,” Owor said.

He also pointed out that key issues affecting Omoro, such as nodding syndrome, war debt cattle compensation, and the district’s poor road network, have not been effectively addressed in Parliament.

The lack of competition in the upcoming elections became even more evident after Omoro Deputy District Speaker Robinah Ayamo publicly withdrew her interest in contesting for the Woman MP seat, citing internal resistance within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership.

“They want to crush you even at the lower level,” Ayamo said. “Many people have been calling me, asking, ‘Robinah, are you contesting against Mama Catherine?’ I have many enemies, especially among Mama’s allies.”

Lamwaka, who has held the seat since its inception, remains a popular figure among voters. During the NRM Day celebrations in Opit Town Council on January 26, 2025, she was seen freely mingling and dancing with supporters.

She is credited with initiatives such as the Village Savings and Loan Associations, which have financially empowered her constituents. Confident of her re-election, she declared her intent to seek another five-year term.

“I speak with a high level of confidence—based on the status of the district now—definitely, from 2026 to 2031, I will bounce back,” she announced.

As the wife of UPDF Reserve Force Commander Lt. Gen. Otema Awany and sister-in-law to NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, many had high expectations that Lamwaka would improve livelihoods in Omoro.

Her supporters remain hopeful.

“She has not yet done enough, so we need to take her back so she can truly change our generation,” said voter Maria Agwee.

Benjamin Olara echoed similar sentiments, noting that Lamwaka would help the NRM extend more government programs to the district.

“Above all, we congratulate her for organizing the Cadre course in Omoro District,” he said.

However, some voices argue that a lack of competition is unhealthy for democracy.

“It would be unfair if Catherine Lamwaka is not given proper competition for the Omoro Woman MP position,” said Stella Kijanga Lajiri, a lawyer and Minister of Gender at the Ker Kwaro Acholi cultural institution. “Omoro is still behind in terms of service delivery and development.”

Omoro District relies heavily on small-scale farming, particularly of soya beans and tobacco. However, it continues to lag in healthcare, education, and local revenue generation, leaving many residents hoping for more impactful leadership in the years to come.