Anna Beatrice Abeja, who had earlier declared her intention to unseat the State Minister for Fisheries and Serere District Woman MP Hellen Adoa, has announced her withdrawal from the race to support the incumbent.
Speaking during the official launch of Minister Adoa’s “Village to Village” campaigns in Kasilo Town Council, Abeja said she made the decision after reflecting deeply on her role in serving the people.
She explained that while she had planned to contest for the Woman Member of Parliament seat, she realized there was greater need for her to continue representing the community at the grassroots level as a woman councilor.
“I tried to stand, but I realized that there is need for me to serve my people of Kasilo Town Council as a woman councilor,” Abeja told the crowd gathered for the event.
“The Minister has been an effective Member of Parliament and my people have also told me that they still need my services here.”
Her announcement drew loud applause from the crowd and was immediately hailed as a symbol of party unity and local solidarity.
Minister Adoa, clearly moved by the public endorsement, thanked Abeja for putting the interests of the peosolidarity
She commended her former rival for showing humility and solidarity, and for prioritizing service delivery over personal ambition.
“I want to thank Anna Beatrice Abeja for this decision. It is not easy to put aside your personal ambition for the sake of unity and service. This is the spirit we want in our party and among our leaders,” Minister Adoa said.
She also used the occasion to remind her supporters of the need to maintain peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
“Please, I want to ask all my supporters: do not deface the posters of my opponents. Let us campaign with respect and dignity. We must show the people that we can lead them peacefully,” she said.
Adoa further urged her supporters to lead by example in their personal lives.
She warned against excessive consumption of alcohol, which she said was destroying homes and undermining productivity, particularly among the youth.
“I ask you to desist from alcoholism. Instead, let us embrace agriculture, which is the backbone of our economy. Farming is the future of our community,” she said.
She also cautioned against divisions and infighting that, she argued, had slowed development in the past.
“Division will not help us. It is only when we are united that we can attract government projects and investments. Let us work together for the good of Serere District,” she added.
The event was also attended by prominent National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in the district.
Asuri Deo, the General Secretary of the NRM Mainstream in Serere, welcomed Abeja’s decision as a demonstration of party discipline and collective purpose.
“I want to thank Abeja for showing solidarity with Minister Adoa. This is how we should behave as members of the same party, working together and not tearing each other apart,” Asuri said.
He also used the platform to praise Minister Adoa for her continued support of women’s groups and other community initiatives.
“Hon. Adoa has been at the forefront of supporting women groups with startup capital and training. This is commendable,” Asuri noted.
However, Asuri did not shy away from using the opportunity to press for reforms on behalf of the people of Serere District.
He called upon Minister Adoa to take their concerns to the national level.
“One of the biggest challenges our elderly people face is accessing the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE). Currently, the benefiting age is 80 years. We ask you, Honorable Minister, to take our plea to the government to reduce this age to 60 years. Many of our elders die before they can even benefit,” he said.
The appeal was met with cheers from the audience, reflecting widespread support for the proposal in this rural community.
The “Village to Village” campaign model, which Minister Adoa officially launched at the event, is expected to see her traverse every village in Serere District to listen to voters’ needs and share her development plans.
Party insiders say the approach is intended to deepen grassroots connections and consolidate support ahead of the NRM primaries and the 2026 general elections.
With Abeja’s withdrawal and endorsement, analysts say Adoa’s path to retaining the NRM flag is looking smoother, though she is still expected to face other challengers who have declared interest in the seat.
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