Amuria District’s Woman Member of Parliament, Ms Susan Amero, who has served three terms, has announced that she will not be running for re-election in 2026. Ms Amero initially contested on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket in 2011 and 2016. However, in 2021, she ran as an Independent candidate after losing to Ms Rhoda Acen in the NRM primaries.
In a phone interview from her upcountry home in Wera, where she is spending the festive season, Ms Amero stated, “I have done my part; I will not come back to politics again. Look for another person.” She expressed her intention to explore farming projects in her village as a new venture in life.
Ms Amero dismissed suggestions that people expressing pity towards her decision had ulterior motives, saying, “They want to eat my money and then throw me out. They think I don’t read the moods, but I do.”
Reflecting on her three terms in office, Ms Amero emphasized her desire to move to the next level, stating, “I can’t be in the same class forever. Those who want to die in politics, let them die.”
Public Reactions to Ms Amero’s Decision
Residents, such as Ms Joyce Akello from Willa Sub-county, commended Ms Amero for her leadership skills and applauded her decision not to seek re-election. Ms Akello highlighted the prevalent issue of politicians using their wealth to manipulate elections despite losing popular support.
On the other hand, Mr Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works, affirmed his strength and commitment to serving the people if re-elected in 2026. Mr Ecweru, known for his role as the commander of the Arrow Boys in 2003, has been in Parliament since 2006.
Another long-serving legislator in Teso, Mr Elijah Okupa, who has been involved in Kasilo County politics since 2001, was also mentioned.
Background of Ms Susan Amero
Born on April 17, 1976, Ms Amero attended Rock View Primary School in Tororo District in 1989. She obtained her Uganda Certificate of Education in 1993 and completed A-Levels in 1996. Ms Amero received certificates in Tour and Travel Operations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 1997. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Nkumba University.
In the 2021 elections, Ms Amero secured 20,284 votes, with NRM’s Rhoda Acen obtaining 18,341. Ms Deborah Mary Aleo of the Forum for Democratic Change received 11,469 votes, while Independent candidates Eunice Aliamo and Eseza Alaso garnered 6,645 and 953 votes, respectively.
