The political landscape in Agago District has taken a new twist as the experienced, vibrant, and tested female LC5 Aspirant, Hon. Abalo Lillian Ongom, declares her intention to contest in the 2026 general election. She made the declaration on Thursday afternoon while addressing the press at her residence in Patongo Town Council, Agago District.
Top on her political agenda is the desire to bridge the gap in transparency, accountability, and socio-economic transformation in the district. “The love for peace, unity, transparency in job recruitment processes based on the decentralization policy, and an eventual sustainable end to Karamojong cattle rustling through engagement and coordination with the Office of the President are central to my political drive,” Abalo said.
She added that she will also focus on promoting commercial and modern agriculture, where farmers can reap better benefits, especially in increasing individual household income. She will also ensure that all government programs targeting the poor, such as PDM, UWEP, YLP, Emyooga, and the Grow project, among others, benefit the intended individuals.
In the education sector, Lillian pledges her commitment to uplifting academic excellence at PLE, UCE, and UACE levels in the district to match the standards of schools in Kampala, Gulu, Lira, and other central and western regions.
The establishment of Patongo Integrated Nursery, Day Care, and Primary School is a clear manifestation of her efforts to uplift education standards in the district.
For a long time, Hon. Abalo Lillian Ongom has served in both elective and government-appointed leadership positions, including NRM Mobilizer, Senior Presidential Advisor, NEC member of the NRM party, Camp Commandant at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp of the then greater Patongo/Lukole sub-counties during the LRA insurgency, District NRM Women’s League member, and now the National Vice Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League for Northern Uganda.
Abalo also served as the District Councilor representing the people of Patongo Sub-county before Pader and Agago districts were carved out of the then greater Kitgum District. It was this council that led to the creation of Pader District, and eventually, Agago emerged from Pader.
What now brings about panic among the majority of male aspirants is that Lillian is also contesting for the District NRM Chairperson’s seat. If she becomes the chairperson of the NRM Party, as she is well known for being the best party mobilizer and for extensively promoting the party ideology at both local and national levels, she will definitely challenge the male aspirants, being the only competent, vibrant, and tested female candidate, thus promoting gender equality in the leadership race.
Nevertheless, on many occasions, Lillian contested for the Agago Area Women MP seat and has always missed by very narrow margins, placing her at an advantageous position as she is already well known by the grassroots as a strong, transparent, and dedicated leader who does not give up easily when tackling issues affecting the common person.
