APG Chairperson Akol withdraws from re-election Bid, cites poverty fight
“I wish to state that I will not seek any leadership position in APG as I would like to focus more on my oversight role and the fight against poverty in my district and constituency,” Akol said.
Gulu: The Chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG), Anthony Akol, has announced that he will not seek another term as leader of the parliamentary caucus, saying he wants to concentrate on his oversight responsibilities and efforts to combat poverty in his constituency.
In a statement addressed to members of the APG and the people of Acholi, Akol expressed gratitude to God and to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for appointing several leaders from the Acholi Sub-region to key government positions.
He congratulated Hillary Onek Obaloker, Norbert Mao, Lillian Aber, Beatrice Atim Anywar, Beatrice Akello Akori and Joyce Acan Okeny on their appointments, describing them as trusted leaders who have been given an opportunity to serve the nation during a critical period.
Akol noted that despite the appointments, leaders in the Acholi Sub-region face a significant challenge in addressing poverty, citing recent data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics indicating that poverty levels remain high across the region.
He urged members of the APG to elect a new leadership team capable of promoting unity and leading the fight against poverty and corruption, which he said continue to undermine development and the welfare of the people.
“I wish to state that I will not seek any leadership position in APG as I would like to focus more on my oversight role and the fight against poverty in my district and constituency,” Akol said.
The Kilak North legislator explained that his decision was informed by the need to dedicate more time to tackling development challenges in his constituency, which he said ranks among the poorest areas in the Acholi Sub-region according to recent statistics.
Akol emphasized that stepping away from the APG leadership should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from regional affairs, pledging continued cooperation with fellow leaders and the people of Acholi in advancing unity, accountability and socio-economic transformation.
“Our region still faces enormous challenges of poverty and underdevelopment, and I believe my efforts are needed more on the ground to address these issues directly,” he noted.
The announcement paves the way for the election of a new APG leadership team as legislators prepare to chart the caucus’ agenda for the coming term, with poverty eradication, service delivery and regional unity expected to remain key priorities.
Akol’s decision has been viewed by some observers as a move to concentrate on constituency-level development and strengthen oversight of government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods in the Acholi Sub-region.
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