By Our Reporter
Independent parliamentary aspirant Esther Lucy Acom, widely known by her popular nickname Ajokotau, has called on parents across Serere District to send their children to school and play a proactive role in improving education standards.
Speaking to residents of Sapir Ward in Ocaapa Town Council on Sunday afternoon, Acom appealed while attending a burial ceremony. She told parents that the future of Serere’s children depends on the daily choices families make about education.
“Solving the education problem in our district begins with parents taking responsibility, providing for and sending children to school,” Acom emphasized. “Term Three is the determining term for our school-going children and the key to their academic progress.”
Acom’s remarks come at a time when education officials in Serere have expressed concern over high rates of absenteeism and school dropouts, issues blamed on poverty, early marriages, and limited parental involvement. According to district education statistics, attendance in several rural schools drops sharply during the harvest season, as children are kept home to help with farming or household chores.
The 34-year-old politician, who leans towards the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), is intensifying her campaign for the Serere District Woman Member of Parliament seat ahead of the 2026 general elections. She is contesting as an independent candidate after losing the NRM flag to incumbent Hon. Helen Adoa Abeku during the party primaries in the recent months.
Acom challenged the primary results through the NRM Election Tribunal, citing irregularities including alleged vote rigging, bribery, and the alteration of declaration forms. Despite presenting evidence, the tribunal upheld Abeku’s victory.
“I have come back to the people; they will be the final judges,” Acom told the gathering in Sapir Ward, drawing applause from the crowd.
Her decision to run independently has energized her supporters, particularly among women and youth groups, many of whom feel that Serere needs a new voice in Parliament. “Esther represents change and integrity. We believe she can advocate for better schools, health services, and opportunities for young people,” said Maria Akello, a youth leader who attended Sunday’s event.
Political observers note that Acom’s grassroots approach, visiting villages, attending community events, and engaging residents directly, is resonating with voters frustrated by what they describe as years of unfulfilled promises. Her focus on education also taps into widespread concern that Serere’s declining academic performance is holding back the district’s economic growth.
In her Sunday address, Acom pledged to work with local councils, teachers, and civil society organizations to tackle barriers to education. She urged parents to make small but consistent investments in their children’s future, such as purchasing school supplies and ensuring regular attendance.
“As leaders, we can lobby for better funding and facilities, but the first step begins at home,” she said.
With the 2026 elections still months away, Acom’s message is expected to feature prominently in her campaign. Whether her appeal to parental responsibility and education reform will translate into votes remains to be seen, but her growing popularity signals a competitive race for the Serere Woman MP seat.
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