Pader District – A slogan echoing through Pader District says, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” reflecting voters’ renewed interest in Lowila CD Oketayot’s achievements during her previous term as Pader Woman MP.
Several voters, especially women who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, have offered to contribute to Oketayot’s nomination fee for the 2026 general elections. This outpouring of support highlights the lasting impact a politician’s service can have, even after leaving office.
Contacted on Tuesday afternoon, Lowila Oketayot confirmed receiving persistent calls from individuals and groups across Pader’s sub-counties. In response, she recently hosted a diverse delegation at her home in Pajule Town Council. The group included youth, women, local council leaders, businesspeople, elders, and opinion leaders.
By the end of the gathering, a unanimous message emerged: a call for Oketayot to reclaim the Pader Woman MP seat for the 2026-2031 term. Voters praised her exceptional service, commitment, transparency, boldness, and accountable leadership during her time in the 10th Parliament, qualities they believe far surpass those of the incumbent MP, Hon. Paska Aciro Menya, and other potential candidates.
Many remain puzzled by Oketayot’s loss in the last election, considering her overwhelming victory in the NRM primaries (over 70% of the vote). Voters now believe her defeat stemmed from a combination of factors:
- NRM infighting at the district and regional levels.
- Her vote against the presidential term limit extension, which detractors used to claim she lost favor with President Museveni, hindering potential development in Pader. Voters now acknowledge they were misled and believe she was targeted for her rising political stature.
At the district level, voters recognize Oketayot’s fight against corruption, particularly regarding mobilization funds that allegedly never reached their intended beneficiaries.
Looking ahead, Pader residents see Hon. Oketayot as a trustworthy leader and are urging her return to active politics. Delegations from every sub-county have approached her, citing her track record and passion for service as reasons for their support. Many have passionately pledged their time and resources to ensure her victory, emphasizing her potential as the sole NRM candidate who can win handily.
The public’s affection for Hon. Oketayot appears to have grown since the current MP, Hon. Aciro Paska Tumusiime, relocated from Pader to Hoima (approximately 315 kilometers away). This move has drawn criticism from local leaders and the community, who view her absence as a sign of inaccessibility.
In the words of some who spoke to our publication, Hon. Oketayot is a true leader, a champion of the people, and a shining example of integrity and compassionate service.
