Ruth Atala Returns to Politics, Eyes NRM Ticket for Dokolo Woman MP Seat

Dokolo, Uganda – Ruth Atala, the former Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Dokolo, has officially declared her bid for the Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2026 General Elections under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

Atala, who served as RDC from 2006 to 2011, made her announcement on Monday during consultation meetings with NRM leaders at village, parish, and sub-county levels in Adeknino, Kangai Town Council, and Kangai Sub-county.

She is among four contenders eyeing the NRM party flag in the upcoming primaries slated for July 16, 2025. Other aspirants include Jenet Adong Elau, Rebecca Arao, and Dr. Lalam Anna Grace.

Atala urged the people of Dokolo to entrust her with the party mandate, pledging to lobby for improved service delivery in key sectors. Her campaign agenda prioritizes healthcare, education, women’s economic empowerment, and support for vulnerable groups.

Among her pledges, Atala promised to provide scholarships for students from Dokolo, establish a vocational training centre, and lobby for the elevation of Dokolo Health Centre IV to a district hospital.

She also vowed to advocate for lowering the qualifying age for the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program from 80 to 65 years, support the creation of SACCOs for women, push for relaxed restrictions on the GROW project to benefit more women, and secure two ambulances for the district.

Alex Owera Omola, the male district councillor for Agwata Town Council and coordinator of Atala’s campaign, called on residents to support leaders with the capacity to deliver tangible services.

Jimmy Ogwal, the NRM chairperson for Kangai Town Council, emphasized the need for unity among newly elected NRM leaders to build a stronger party structure.

Dilish Akello, chairperson of the NRM Women’s League in Chwagere Parish, Kangai, pledged her full support for Atala and affirmed her commitment to mobilizing grassroots support during both the primaries and general election.