Akol served as Minister of Internal Affairs from 2015 to 2016 and represented Bukedea District as Woman MP for ten years before losing to Anita Among, the current Speaker of Parliament.
Bukedea, Uganda: Former Minister of Internal Affairs, currently East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator, Hon Rose Akol Okullu, has dismissed as “baseless propaganda and wishful thinking” claims that she has withdrawn from the Bukedea County Parliamentary race in favour of the NRM flag bearer, Beecham Okwere.
The rumours, which spread rapidly across Bukedea’s trading centres and social media platforms last week, suggested that Akol had bowed out under political pressure. But in a late-night phone interview with DailyExpress on Tuesday, Akol rubbished the reports, describing them as “desperate attempts by rivals to confuse voters and weaken her grassroots support.”
“I stand my ground and remain fully in the race. I am not bothered by the political noise that benefits those trading in rumours. I am fully nominated and have no reason, not even a thought of stepping down,” Akol said.
The former Minister revealed that before her nomination, she received a notice of intention to block her nomination from Alliance Advocates, a law firm based on Spring Road, Bugolobi, acting on behalf of Mr Okodel Derrick Danglas.
The notice, she said, claimed that as a serving EALA member, whose term expires in 2027, she was ineligible to contest for a parliamentary seat in Uganda, and therefore must withdraw from the race.
“That notice was baseless. Even the lawyers knew it was weak, that’s why they didn’t quote any law,” Akol explained. “The law does not stop an EALA member from contesting in Uganda. This is a mere distraction engineered by my male rivals who fear my strong grassroots support.”
Akol cited fellow EALA legislators Denis Namara and James Kakoza, both NRM flag bearers, as examples of active regional MPs contesting for parliamentary seats back home. “The treaty of EALA does not bar any member from contesting in their home country. This is clearly a politically motivated ploy to mislead voters,” she said.
Supporters Rally Behind Akol
In Bukedea, Akol’s supporters have interpreted the withdrawal rumours as signs of panic among her opponents.
James Opolot, a resident of Kocheka Sub-county, said the false claims were “a desperate act by men who have lost ground.” “They thought Akol would be intimidated by legal threats, but they underestimated her resolve. The voters are waiting for a fair contest,” he said.
Charles Okia from Malera Sub-county echoed the sentiment: “They tried to deny her access to a government grader when she worked on local roads, yet those roads are now good. She’s a woman of action. These rumours are pure fear of her growing influence.”
EC Clarifies EALA Eligibility
When contacted for a comment, Julius Mucunguzi, the Public Relations Officer of the Electoral Commission, confirmed that Uganda’s electoral laws do not disqualify serving EALA members from contesting for domestic parliamentary positions.
“Any Ugandan above 18 years who is a registered voter and meets the academic qualifications is eligible for nomination. The Commission doesn’t handle political disputes — our focus is ensuring the lawful conduct of elections,” Mucunguzi stated.
Who Is Rose Akol Okullu?
Born on 27 November 1964, Rose Akol Okullu is a seasoned Ugandan politician and accountant. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Makerere University Business School.
Akol served as Minister of Internal Affairs from 2015 to 2016 and represented Bukedea District as Woman MP for ten years before losing to Anita Among, the current Speaker of Parliament. She was then elected to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in 2017 and is now serving her second term, which ends in 2027.
Unfazed by the political intrigue, Akol says her campaign remains anchored on unity, service, and transformation. “I’m Here to Serve, Not to Surrender”
“My focus is on engaging the electorate, listening to their concerns, and shaping practical solutions. I’m here to serve, not to surrender,” she added.
Observers in Bukedea note that Akol’s calm rebuttal and continued community presence reflect political maturity and grassroots confidence, as her team intensifies mobilisation across villages, churches, and trading centres.
“For many in Bukedea, Akol’s statement is not just a denial, it’s a reaffirmation of faith,” said Sarah Aanyu from Kasooka village. “She’s not about to bow out under whispers; she’s fighting for her people.”
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