Kotido, Uganda: Women councillors in Kotido District have been urged to abandon factional politics and embrace unity following the formation of the Kotido Women Councillors Caucus, a platform intended to strengthen collaboration, accountability and effective leadership.
The caucus was launched at the conclusion of a three-day leadership and governance training held under the Women’s Amplified Voice for Accountability (WAVA) project, which seeks to enhance women’s capacity in legislation, oversight and representation within local government.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Jessica Ruth Ataa, Executive Director of Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA), said the programme deliberately began with women leaders because of the critical role they play in driving positive transformation within their communities.
“We deliberately started with women because we believe empowered women leaders can influence positive change in their communities. The men will also have their turn,” Ataa said.
She applauded the participants for their dedication throughout the training and urged them to preserve the spirit of unity by avoiding political camps that often undermine effective leadership.
“We have agreed to be united. Let us forget about camps because we have already formed a caucus that should bring us together to serve the people of Kotido,” she added.
Kotido District LCV Chairperson Paul Komol Lotee challenged the councillors to apply the knowledge and leadership skills acquired during the training to improve governance and service delivery across the district.
“Let this training serve as an induction into effective leadership so that we do not have unnecessary conflicts during plenary sessions,” Lotee said.
He encouraged the women leaders to embrace forgiveness, promote truthful communication and strengthen cooperation among themselves in the interest of the district.
“As politicians, we must learn to forgive one another and share accurate information with our communities. Unity is important because we need each other to move Kotido forward,” he said.
Lotee also called for increased participation of women in district committees and decision-making structures, saying their contributions are essential for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Closing the training, Kotido Resident District Commissioner Charles Ichogor described the programme as a foundation for ethical leadership and responsible public service.
“My prayer is that when you walk out of here, you are changed people. Embrace integrity and ethical leadership in everything you do,” Ichogor said.
He urged the councillors to demonstrate professionalism both inside and outside council chambers, noting that their conduct should inspire confidence among the communities they represent.
“Character and professionalism should be at the forefront of your leadership. Judge yourselves by how you conduct yourselves during debates and outside council. Act as mothers and mentors in society,” he said.
Ichogor further encouraged the women leaders to mentor their male counterparts, promote teamwork and place public interest above personal or political differences.
Warning against divisions, he said factional politics has often weakened collective efforts aimed at transforming communities.
“Love yourselves, love one another and love Uganda. Be patriotic enough to put the interests of the people first. Those camps tear us into pieces. Let us say goodbye to camps so that Kotido can shine,” he said.
The RDC also called upon the councillors to actively monitor government programmes, promote climate-smart agriculture and advocate for improved public services across the district.
“Each one of you carries the map of Kotido. Get involved in monitoring government programmes and ensure services reach the people. If you need information, flood my office. My doors are open, and I am ready to work with you for the transformation of Kotido,” he added.
The newly established Kotido Women Councillors Caucus is expected to provide a platform for peer learning, collaboration and collective advocacy on issues affecting women, governance and community development across the district.
The training was conducted under the Women’s Amplified Voice for Accountability (WAVA) project, funded by the Embassies of Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands in Uganda, and implemented by the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) in partnership with Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA).
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
