Pallisa, Uganda: Renowned grassroots mobilizer Achola Catherine has been declared the official NRM flag bearer for the Pallisa Woman Member of Parliament seat following a resounding victory over incumbent Hon. Kaala Kevin Ojinga in the just-concluded party primaries.
Announcing the results on Thursday night, Samuel Emuron, the Pallisa District NRM Election Officer, declared Achola winner after she polled 75,773 votes against Kaala’s 59,106 votes. Former Pallisa Woman MP Mariam Amoit, who had earlier withdrawn from the race citing health reasons, still received 5 votes.
Achola’s victory is being celebrated as a major political comeback and a potential game-changer in Pallisa’s political arena.
Speaking during a live interview with DailyExpress shortly after her victory was declared, Achola expressed gratitude to voters for trusting her vision despite running a cashless campaign focused solely on a ‘sensitive manifesto’ that resonated with the people.
“I am a seasonal politician who knows what to say in public. I cannot pledge what I may fail to deliver. I am not a mere political substitute for Pallisa but a game changer for Pallisa’s development, which has been stagnant for too long,” Achola said.
A Former Opposition Firebrand Turned NRM Mobilizer
Achola, once a staunch FDC supporter, crossed over to the ruling NRM in June 2020, citing visible solutions being implemented by the government towards issues she previously fought against while in opposition.
She highlighted developments such as the tarmacking of the Tirinyi–Kumi road via Pallisa and the Pallisa–Kamonkoli road, improvements in health services, and the creation of lower administrative units as milestones that convinced her to join the NRM.
“I was once a big critic of NRM in Pallisa because of poor service delivery and poor infrastructure, but when these issues were fixed, I saw no reason to remain in opposition,” she said.
Achola now eyes robust engagement with education stakeholders to tackle the district’s alarming education challenges. She cited the low completion rates in primary schools and the poor academic performance as key concerns, vowing to spearhead reforms in the sector.
“It frustrates me that out of over 20,000 pupils who enroll in Primary One, only about 6,000 complete Primary Seven. Of these, in the last two years, only 78 scored Division One, equivalent to one good school in other districts. There must be deeper issues beyond the lack of midday meals,” she emphasized.
She also promised to lobby for Kasodo Technical Institute to be elevated to a polytechnic and to advocate for coding of the 17 unrecognized schools, particularly in Boliso Sub County, which she noted has no government secondary school, no health centre III, and only one government primary school.
Who is Achola Catherine?
Achola hails from Kakusi village, Kibale Sub County, Pallisa District, daughter of the late John Alfred Osupelem and Ms. Agwang Penniah. Since 2016, she has consistently vied for the Woman MP seat, first as FDC flag bearer, later as an independent, and now as a fully-fledged NRM candidate.
Her 2016 victory as FDC flag bearer was reportedly snatched from her, and in the 2018 by-elections (following Hon. Agnes Amede’s move to Butebo District), Achola was controversially cancelled out of the race just six days to voting.
Despite setbacks, Achola remained resilient, participating in the 2020 NRM primaries barely two months after crossing over, and later contesting as an independent in 2021. Today, she stands affirmed as the NRM’s choice for 2026.
Why Achola Is Seen as a Game Changer
Her ability to speak both Ateso and Lugwere fluently, the two dominant languages in Pallisa, has given her an edge in mobilization across divides. Her background in Social Work and Social Administration and a Diploma in Secondary Education (English and Literature) have enhanced her communication, advocacy, and analytical skills, which many say make her suited for national leadership.
With over 15 years of experience working with communities at various managerial levels, Achola brings to the table tested leadership, a wealth of knowledge in development work, and a deep understanding of the socio-economic realities on the ground.
What the People Say
Mr. Okiror Japheth from Agule County remarked that Achola is likely to garner significant support following the withdrawal of Josephine Ibaseret, who dominated the area but is now vying for a constituency seat.
Ms. Asio Annet from Gogonyo County noted a shift in public sentiment towards Achola due to her personality and consistency.
“We were with Mariam Amoit in the ninth parliament and then Kevin Kaala, but we have shifted our interest to Achola because of her personality,” she said. “I have never met her personally, but I always listen to her speak with confidence at burials, encouraging us to grow coffee and cocoa in the region.”
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