Bukedea, Uganda – Hellen Akol Odeke has officially entered the race for Bukedea District Woman MP, a seat currently held by none other than Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among.
This morning, Akol stormed the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala to pick her nomination forms, declaring her readiness to contest under the ruling party’s banner in the 2026 general elections.
“This is a people-powered decision,” Akol told reporters outside the commission office. “Bukedea deserves a leader who is present, accessible, and fully committed to grassroots development, not just parliamentary politics.”
Akol’s declaration has sparked political waves across Teso Sub-region, as she becomes the first known challenger from within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to take on Speaker Anita Among, one of the country’s most powerful political figures.
Among, who has served as Bukedea Woman MP since 2017 and currently holds the third highest office in Uganda, she is widely regarded as a formidable incumbent with deep influence across government institutions.
However, Akol’s emergence signals growing dissent and hunger for alternative representation within the district.
Political observers say this challenge could ignite a fierce contest in the NRM primaries, with implications far beyond Bukedea.
Hellen Akol Odeke is no stranger to local politics. A community mobilizer and advocate for women’s rights, Akol has for years been active in Bukedea’s civic initiatives, particularly in education, health, and youth empowerment.
Her decision to take on the Speaker is being seen by supporters as both courageous and timely, especially as discussions intensify about inclusive leadership and decentralization of power within the NRM.
“We respect Speaker Among, but leadership is not a birthright,” said one of Akol’s campaign supporters. “It’s time for fresh thinking in Bukedea.”
With Akol’s entry, the NRM primaries for Bukedea District are now expected to draw national attention.
The party’s Electoral Commission has emphasized a commitment to free and fair internal elections, but the presence of a heavyweight like Anita Among could put that pledge to the test.
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