The West Nile Development Association (WENDA) has elected its first female Vice Chairperson in the association's 33-year history, marking a significant milestone for women's leadership in the sub-region.
Jackline Opar, the Mayor of Nebbi Municipality, was elected Vice Chairperson during WENDA's sixth council sitting held in Arua City on Thursday, July 16, 2026. She will deputise Yumbe District LC V Chairperson, Asiku Abdulmutwalib, who was elected Chairperson of the association.
Delegates described Opar's election as a breakthrough for gender representation and a sign of growing recognition of women's leadership in West Nile's governance and development agenda.
Since WENDA's establishment in 1993, the association's top leadership positions have been exclusively held by men. Stakeholders said Opar's election reflects increasing demand for inclusive leadership as the region seeks to address development challenges and promote equal participation in decision-making.
Speaking after her election, Opar dedicated the victory to women across West Nile, saying it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region's leadership.
"This is not just my victory; it is a victory for all women in West Nile. I am happy that after 33 years, there is finally a woman in the leadership of WENDA," she said.
Opar reflected on her political journey, noting that she had repeatedly overcome male competitors to break new ground for women in leadership.
"My political journey has not been easy because I have always competed against male challengers. In 2021, I became the first female LC III Chairperson of Thatha Division in Nebbi Municipality and was elected Dean of LC III Chairpersons. In the recent elections, I made history again by becoming the first female Mayor of Nebbi Municipality, and now I have been elected WENDA Vice Chairperson. I am grateful for this milestone that represents all women," she said.
She encouraged women to remain determined and pursue leadership positions without being discouraged by gender stereotypes.
"I encourage all women to believe in themselves, remain determined and take up leadership positions without fearing competition from men," Opar added.
Former Nebbi District LC V Chairperson Emmanuel Urombi welcomed Opar's election, describing her as a committed and courageous leader capable of contributing to the region's development.
"As a close friend and colleague, I know her commitment to public service. We expect her to champion development projects that will benefit the entire West Nile sub-region," Urombi said.
He added that Opar's determination had enabled her to succeed in leadership contests traditionally dominated by men.
"She has always wanted to prove a point. She goes for what she wants and delivers whenever she is given an opportunity," he said.
Opar was elected unopposed after council members unanimously endorsed her to become the first woman to serve on WENDA's executive committee.
WENDA Executive Director Moses Akuma said her election was consistent with the association's commitment to inclusive governance.
"For the first time since WENDA was established in 1993, we have a woman on the executive committee. Ms. Opar's experience as Mayor of Nebbi Municipality will be invaluable in driving our regional development agenda," Akuma said.
He urged more women to emulate Opar's courage and actively seek leadership positions.
"I encourage women across the region to step forward and make a difference. As WENDA, we remain committed to ensuring that women occupy key leadership positions," he added.
Established in 1993, WENDA was created to coordinate development efforts across the West Nile sub-region. Initially comprising Moyo, Arua and Nebbi districts under the acronym MAN, the association later expanded to include Yumbe, Adjumani and Koboko, becoming MAYANK. As more districts were created, the organisation adopted the name West Nile Development Association (WENDA).
Today, WENDA brings together district chairpersons, mayors, chief administrative officers, town clerks, deans of LC III chairpersons from member districts, and members of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus to coordinate regional development initiatives.
The newly elected executive will serve until 2031, taking office at a time when West Nile faces pressing challenges, including youth unemployment, inadequate road infrastructure, school dropout rates, and child marriages.
