By Nathan Eyagu

Soroti City - Opposition politics in Soroti City East gained fresh momentum on Wednesday as Hon. Joan Acom Alobo, the Soroti City Woman MP, and Hon. Attan Moses Okia, former Soroti City East legislator, joined forces in Aloet Ward to rally support ahead of the upcoming elections.

The joint campaign rally, held at different cells, drew large crowds, signaling renewed enthusiasm within the opposition’s base. Both leaders, who are contesting on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket, called on residents to remain united and focused on demanding better service delivery.

In his address, Attan Moses Okia — who won the Soroti City East seat in 2021 before losing it in a 2022 by-election — urged voters to restore their confidence in him, promising to resume his advocacy for improved public services once re-elected.

During his speech, Attan reminded voters of his earlier achievements. “During my time in Parliament, I worked with other MPs to ensure Soroti Regional Referral Hospital received a CT scan machine, reducing travel costs to Mbale. We also established an oxygen plant that saved lives during COVID-19 and continues to serve our people,” he said.

He expressed disappointment that several development projects he initiated, including a seed secondary school in Opuyo Ward and a health facility project, stalled after his exit from Parliament.

“I am seeking a return to Parliament out of pain. Our people pay taxes yet lack essential services like healthcare and quality education. I want to be your voice and fight for what rightfully belongs to us,” he emphasized.

Attan also criticized his opponents for what he called “politics of greed and intimidation,” asserting that his re-entry into Parliament would restore accountability and transparency.

“They said I wouldn’t be nominated because of debts, but here I am before you. Leadership belongs to the people, not to those who think power is their entitlement,” he remarked.

Attan further called for calm among his supporters and urged all candidates to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns, saying violence only divides communities and distracts from the real goal of service delivery.

“I urge all my supporters and fellow candidates to remain peaceful. Let’s show maturity and respect during this campaign period because, at the end of the day, we are all working for the same people,” he appealed.

Attan will face off with NRM’s Isaac Orego and other candidates in what observers describe as one of the most competitive parliamentary races in Soroti City East.

Meanwhile, Hon. Joan Acom Alobo, the incumbent Woman MP for Soroti City, defended her style of leadership, particularly her activism and protests which she said have yielded tangible results for the people of Teso.

“Some accuse me of protesting too much, but we’ve seen results. After our protests over cattle compensation, the President directed that each household in Teso receive five cows. That shows the power of standing up for what is right,” Alobo told supporters.

She urged voters to elect leaders who will speak boldly on their behalf rather than those who remain silent while communities continue to suffer.

“If protesting brings services, then let’s continue until our people get what they deserve. Those who claim to have direct access to the President—what have they delivered since taking office?” she asked.

Alobo also outlined her contributions toward community empowerment, citing her support for over 100 savings groups, donations of sewing machines to women, and mama kits to expectant mothers, among other initiatives that have benefited more than 2,000 people across the city.

The Woman MP race will see Alobo face NRM’s Sarah Inachu and Independent candidate Juliet Agonyo, both of whom are also mobilizing intensively across Soroti City.

The joint appearance of Alobo and Attan in Aloet Ward was seen as a symbol of renewed cooperation within the FDC ranks, following previous divisions that weakened the party’s influence in the region.

As the campaign trail intensifies, both candidates have pledged to continue engaging with communities across Soroti City East, with a shared call for better governance, accountability, peaceful campaigns, and improved public services.