In a press briefing held on Tuesday at Lira Hotel, Hon. Sarah Awor Angweri, the current Lira City Female Workers’ Representative, officially announced her candidacy for the Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2026 general elections.

Her declaration comes amidst heightened political anticipation in Lira City, with the race expected to be one of the most challenging contest in Lango Sub region.

Hon. Awor outlined her vision for unity, development, and youth empowerment, promising transformative leadership for Lira City. She expressed her determination to bring fresh energy to Parliament while tackling the challenges faced by her constituents.

“I will not be deterred by threats or rumors. I am here to serve and bring the much-needed transformation for our people,” Awor stated with conviction.

The Woman MP seat for Lira City is poised for intense competition, with Hon. Awor set to challenge two political giants, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero who is the incumbent and Minister of Health in NRM primaries, and Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development, who is contesting under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) ticket. More candidates are expected to join the race as the political landscape evolves.

Despite the formidable competition, Hon. Awor remains fearless, declaring her readiness to contest with courage and determination.

“I am not intimidated by anyone vying for this position. The Ugandan Constitution grants me the right to contest, and I will not let my supporters down. My focus is on unity and development, especially for the youth,” she said.

Hon. Awor emphasized the importance of working across political divides, inviting members of opposition parties to support her bid.

Daniel Okello, Speaker of Lira City West Division, lauded Awor as a beacon of hope for youthful leadership.

“The time for youth leadership is now. Sarah is the kind of leader we need to address the challenges of today and bring a brighter future for Lira City,” he noted.

The presser also highlighted internal challenges within the NRM party, with calls for reconciliation and collective efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2026 elections.

Juke Joel, NRM Chairperson for Lira Subcounty, commended Awor’s boldness, urging party members to resolve internal conflicts to avoid giving the opposition an advantage.

“Sarah is a bold leader capable of uniting the party. Let’s focus on strengthening NRM rather than fighting among ourselves,” he advised.

Fr. Alfred Okello Junior, an aspiring MP for Dokolo North, endorsed Awor’s candidacy, describing her as a resilient leader with a clear vision for change.

“Sarah has the vision and resilience to bring change. Parliament needs new, young leaders like her to shape the future,” he said, calling on other young leaders to step forward and inject fresh ideas into governance.

Hon. Awor’s entry into the race signals a potential shift toward youth-centered leadership in Lira City. As the 2026 general elections approach, her campaign is expected to focus on addressing unemployment, improving infrastructure, and fostering unity among party members and residents alike.

Her candidacy is expected to garner attention from youth, setting the stage for a competitive and dynamic election season in Lira City.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW HERE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL @LIRA SQOOP TV