By Emmanuel Olinga
Former District Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi, Violet Akurut Adome, has officially declared her intention to reclaim the seat she lost in 2021 to Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Rtd. Maj. Jessica Alupo.
After four years of relative political silence, Akurut made the announcement during a press conference at her home in Katakwi Town Council, reaffirming her commitment to the people of Katakwi and dispelling rumors about her political future.
Akurut, who ran on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket in 2021, lost to Alupo, an independent candidate, in a tightly contested race.
Alupo garnered 28,361 votes, while Akurut trailed with 20,386 votes.
Despite the loss, Akurut maintains a strong grassroots presence and believes her track record still resonates with the electorate.
In her address, Akurut strongly refuted circulating rumors that she would contest for Ngariam County in the upcoming elections instead of seeking the Woman MP seat.
“Those claims are baseless and spread by my political detractors. I am running for Katakwi District Woman Member of Parliament, not Ngariam County,” she emphasized.
“There was speculation I would shift once a municipality was created, but that has not happened. My focus remains on fulfilling the programs I initiated.”
Akurut clarified that her decision to re-enter the race was not driven by political pressure or outside influence, but by an urge to complete developmental programs she started during her previous terms in office.
Akurut, a seasoned politician, has featured on Katakwi ballots in 2016, and 2021, making her one of the longest-serving female political figures in the district.
She expressed confidence in retaining the NRM flag in the forthcoming party primaries.
“I have walked this journey with the people of Katakwi. Their belief in me has never wavered, and I believe 2026 will be a testimony to that trust,” she added.
Katakwi District remains a politically charged and strategically important area in Eastern Uganda’s Teso sub-region.
The 2021 elections marked a historic shift when the seat was won by Vice President Alupo, signaling the district’s growing influence in national politics.
The 2026 race is shaping up to be equally fierce, as local dynamics evolve and internal NRM competition intensifies.
As the political dust begins to stir in Katakwi, all eyes will be on Akurut’s campaign strategy, her ability to mobilize support across the district, and how she navigates party politics ahead of the NRM primaries.
With her declaration, Violet Akurut Adome has officially re-entered the arena, ready to fight for what she calls “unfinished business” in service of the people of Katakwi.
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