By James Alomu
The political contest for the Serere District Woman Member of Parliament seat has taken on the intensity of a top-flight football derby, with the State Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, finding herself under sustained pressure from a determined challenger, Esther Lucy Acom Ajokotau.
Like a defending champion struggling to control the midfield, Minister Adoa has faced growing resistance from sections of the electorate who are calling for a change of leadership. On the other side of the pitch, Acom has emerged as the strongest contender, drawing increasing support and energizing voters who believe it is time for a tactical shift.
Supporters say Acom’s campaign has been tightening its formation and pressing high, leaving little space for the incumbent to breathe. Her campaign task force has intensified community outreach, mobilization, and messaging, presenting Acom as a fresh striker ready to convert opportunities into tangible development for Serere District.
Head of Campaign task force Emanio Richard likened the race to a match where fans are beginning to switch allegiance as the game unfolds.
“I supported Hon. Adoa believing she would deliver development to the district,” Richard said. “But now I am urging supporters to vote for Esther Lucy Acom. Sometimes, when the team is no longer scoring, you bring on a new player.”
However, the contest has not been without controversy. Some voters allege that the campaign resembles a tactical mind game, claiming that when Acom schedules rallies in certain areas, Minister Adoa’s team arrives earlier to distribute money before Acom’s campaign can kick off.
To many residents, this tactic is seen as a form of time-wasting slowing the tempo rather than allowing a fair contest of ideas. “We want to see policies, vision, and plans for development, not just short-term incentives,” one voter remarked.
As the campaign season progresses, the Serere political pitch remains wide open. Whether the experienced captain, Adoa, can regain control and defend her seat, or whether Acom will score the decisive goal that changes the game, will ultimately be decided by the voters on election day.
For now, the whistle has not blown, but all signs point to a tightly contested match that could go down to the final minute.
