By: Alinda Moses Igwera

A growing number of women are contesting for Local Council I (LC I) chairperson positions in Arua City as campaigns for the forthcoming village elections gather momentum, signaling increased female participation in grassroots leadership.

More than 20 women, the majority contesting on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, are seeking LC I chairperson positions across different cells in the city. This marks a significant increase from previous elections, when fewer than 10 women contested. While some are seeking re-election, others are making their debut in local politics.

In Terego Alengo Cell, Komite Ward in Ayivu Division, Bibiana Bako, a 34-year-old businesswoman and mother of four, is contesting for the LC I chairperson seat following the resignation of the former chairperson, Brown Yega, who stepped down due to age and health-related challenges.

Bako said she was motivated to join the race by concerns over poor service delivery, rising insecurity, and increasing cases of house break-ins in the area.

She added that, if elected, she intends to promote skills development programmes aimed at economically empowering women and young people, whom she described as the most vulnerable members of the community.

In Ezoova Cell, Driwala Ward, Ayivu Division, incumbent LC I Chairperson Jane Japyem is seeking a second term against challenger Swadik Abiriga.

Japyem said her decision to seek re-election is driven by her commitment to supporting women facing economic hardships through community empowerment initiatives. She also urged young people to embrace hard work, shun laziness, and remain patient as they pursue their goals.

Meanwhile, Monica Likico, 62, is contesting for the LC I chairperson position in Gold Course Cell, Arua Central Division. She said her long-standing dedication to serving the community inspired her to seek the leadership position.

Another candidate, Doreen Ayakaka, who is contesting in Oyooze Cell, pledged to introduce vocational skills training programmes for women and youth as part of efforts to reduce poverty and improve household incomes.

Residents interviewed by Radio Paidha FM welcomed the growing participation of women in the LC I elections, saying it reflects increasing public confidence in women’s ability to provide effective leadership and drive community development at the grassroots level.

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