Row erupts as Agago MP claims APG headship
She stressed that she was even surprised by the circulation of social media that APG has elected new leadership and wondered who presided over that election.
By Christopher Nyeko
Kampala: The row has erupted between members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) following the election of Okot John Amos, the Agago North County MP.
Okot confirmed to this publication on Friday evening his election as the new chairperson of the APG, an umbrella body that brings together parliamentarians from the Acholi sub-region to discuss the matters that affect the Acholi and push for the interests of the Acholi community at the national level.
The politician said that he was elected in a consensus after the two-and-a-half-year term for those who were holding APG office for a while.
The election was held at the Parliament of Uganda member’s lot.
The politician succeeded Anthony Akol, the Kilak North MP, who also expressed his interest in being the chair for another term.
Okot expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Acholi MPs for entrusting him with the position he says is important.
He assured that his leadership would focus on resolving land conflict, unresolved Balaalo questions, insecurity and cattle rustling, and education, among other cross-cutting issues in Acholi.
In the same consensus, Hon. Aol Betty Ocan, the Gulu City woman MP, was entrusted with the position of deputy chairperson of the APG.
Hon. Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South MP, was elected as the new APG Secretary General, a position that was being held by Okot John Amos.
Onekalit Denis Amere, the Kitgum Municipality MP, is now the Deputy Secretary General of APG.
Meanwhile, Hon. Simon Wokorach, the Aswa County MP, is the new publicity secretary and doubles as spokesperson for APG.
Simon will be deputized by Hon. Ojok Andrew Oulanyah, the Omoro County MP.
In the APG Treasurer, Hon. Acan Judith Peace, the Nwoya woman MP, is elected, and she will be assisted by Hon. Komakech Christopher, the Aruu County MP.
Hon. Santa Okot, the Aruu South MP, is in charge of the advisory.
Hon. Lagen David, the Agago County MP, is assigned the duty of coordinating the Parish Development Module.
Okin PP Ojara, the Chua West County MP, is now the new Secretary for Lands and Investments. He replaced Tony Awany, the Nwoya County MP, who is now in charge of PRDP, NAADs, and NUSAF.
Meanwhile, Hon. Aber Lillian, the Kitgum district woman MP, was elected a coordinator for budget and planning.
Hon. Okot Peter, the Tochi County MP, is to look at civil society and NGOs in Acholi.
However, in the Health and Education Committee, Hon. Balmoi Sharon of Gulu district was elected.
The new committee will work for two and a half years, as stipulated in the constitution of the APG.
The APG electoral commission disputes Okot’s election.
However, in the unfolding event, the Okot’s election together with that of other secretaries on Friday, February 16, was thrashed by Hon. Acan Joys Okeny, the electoral commission for the Acholi parliamentary group, who disputed the alleged election of Okot John Amos as the new chair for the Acholi parliamentary group, saying it was unprocedural.
In an interview with www.ugreports.co.ug, Acan explained that the APG constitution stipulates that for an election to be conducted, the existing leadership must first present the report in a general assembly, something she says has not happened due to a lack of quorum because members are always out of the country for duties.
She, however, discloses that her docket has selected February 30, 2024, as the date for the election of new leadership for APG, noticing that she has already notified members interested in competing in any elective position of APG to express their interest in writing.
Acan stressed that she was even surprised by the circulation of social media that APG has elected new leadership and wondered who presided over that election. She warned that APG leaders are not appointed but elected by the majority votes of the eligible members.
However, this publication has seen the letter endorsed by Hon. Anywar Ricky, who is alleged to have been knocked out of his position as vice chairperson of APG. Ricky urged the members of the public to disregard the statement from the masquerading APG leadership and to treat their statement as falsehood, intrigue, and external influence geared towards tearing down this useful association that has for decades championed the agenda of the Acholi People.
“APG has 30 members and 3 ex-officios, and 5 members out of 30 cannot sit and appoint themselves to the leadership of APG without following the due processes.”.
Here is a copy of the release endorsed by outgoing APG Vice CP Hon. Anywar Ricky.
“Members of the Acholi Parliamentary Group have seen a statement circulating on different social media platforms, purporting that the APG elected new leaders by consensus on February 15, 2024.
“We urge you to disregard this statement and treat it as a product of falsehood, intrigue, and external influence geared towards tearing down this useful association that has for decades championed the agenda of the Acholi People.
“It must be clear that there was no election that took place today, February 15, 2024; therefore, no person should have masqueraded as the leader of APG until the election that will take place on February 22, 2024.
“Right now, APG leadership, through the office of the electoral commission, APG Hon. Achan Joys Okeny, is encouraging members to express their interest in the different positions within the leadership of APG in writing.
“Be informed that APG has 30 members and 3 ex-officios, and 5 members out of 30 cannot sit and appoint themselves to the leadership of APG without following the due processes.
“APG leaders are elected but not appointed.
This platform is not for mere politicking or fulfilling individual political interests but for the good of our collective voice as Members of Parliament from the Acholi sub-region.
“We therefore would like to state that APG will follow the right procedures in electing new leaders on February 22, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Parliament and will issue a formal statement thereafter.
“We encourage all interested media houses to attend.
In the meantime, the old leaders will work with the members to organize the elections, and all are urged to act in a manner that will not further injure the spirit of unity among the MPs’’, the letter read in part.
Do you have a story about your community or an opinion to share with us? Email us at theugreports@gmail.com.
