By Sabir Musa: For decades, the political landscape of the West Nile has been dominated by men. Parliamentary seats, especially in open constituencies, were seen as almost untouchable for women. But the 2026 general elections have changed that narrative.
This year, four women defied expectations and won seats in male-dominated constituencies, doubling the number from the previous 2021 elections. Onzima Phiona (Ayivu West), Lenia Charity Kevin (Vurra County-Arua district), Oleru Huda Abason (Aringa East-Yumbe district), and Kwiyucwiny Freedom Grace (Ora County-Zombo district) have now etched their names into the political history of West Nile.
Lenia Charity Kevin won the election with 20,708 votes, defeating Aridru Gabriel Ajedra (12,926) and incumbent Member of Parliament Yovan Adriko (3,089) in a highly competitive race. Oleru Huda Abason secured Aringa East with 8,793 votes, narrowly surpassing Omia Zuberi Juvenile (7,286) and the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Olega Isaq (254). Meanwhile, Kwiyucwiny Freedom Grace won Ora County with 15,999 votes, beating the incumbent, Biyika Lawrence Songa, who had 14,559 votes and Jakonymungu Collins, who garnered 1,776 votes.
For Lenia, the victory was a testament to resilience. “I want young girls to see that nothing is impossible. With determination, guidance, and hard work, women can hold their own in politics,” she said.
Onzima Phiona faced a similar challenge, overcoming five male contenders, including John Lematia, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Ayivu County in Arua City.
“This victory is not just mine; it belongs to every woman in West Nile who has dreamed of serving her people. We have shown that leadership is not about gender, it’s about commitment and service,” Onzima noted.
The progress of women in the West Nile can be traced over the past two decades. In 2001, Zoe Bakoko Bakoru became one of the first women to break into politics in the region. In 2016, Anite Evelyn became the first woman to win an open parliamentary seat, representing Koboko Municipality. In 2021, only two women, Ruth Molly Lematia (Maracha East County) and Oleru Huda Abason (Aringa East, Yumbe district), managed to secure similar seats in West Nile.
Feni Twaib, the Executive Director of West Nile Regional Civil Society Network (WECISNET), described this change as progress in the region, noting that the key change has been awareness and knowledge.
“Those days, women did not even have the interest to contest for directly elected parliamentary seats because they believed people didn’t know they could also be elected. Now, there is a realization that these positions are for everyone, not just men,” he said.
Feni added that while some community members and even candidates still believe ‘certain seats are for men’, the women who have come forward are challenging these perceptions. “We are now seeing civic education and awareness programs helping communities choose candidates regardless of sex. Affirmative action does not limit women; it opens the door, but women can contest for all positions,” he explained.
He also noted that local government remains male-dominated. Still, he encouraged women to apply the same courage and determination to local council positions, such as those of councillor or chairperson, thereby creating a broader pipeline of leadership.
The 2026 victories signal a broader transformation in the region’s political landscape, where women are increasingly breaking long-standing barriers and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Analysts say these wins not only reflect the growing confidence of voters in women’s leadership but also set the stage for more women to shape policy and community development in West Nile.
