Judith Obina, who has served as the private secretary for political affairs to President Yoweri Museveni for 25 years, has stepped down from her role and announced her bid for the Gulu City Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2026 elections.
During a press briefing in Gulu City on Monday, Obina confirmed that her contract officially ends on June 13, 2025, marking the conclusion of her tenure as a political aide to the President. She emphasized that her decision to resign was driven by a personal commitment to return home and address the socio-economic challenges that have hindered the region’s development.
Obina pointed out that while government funding has been directed toward developing the Acholi sub-region, much of it has not reached the grassroots level, impacting community growth. She attributed this to ineffective leadership, which she aims to rectify once elected to Parliament.
Uncertainty Over NRM Ticket
Unlike many National Resistance Movement (NRM) party members who have already secured nomination forms, Obina remains undecided on whether to run on the party’s ticket. She stressed that her primary focus is on unity and service to the people, regardless of political affiliation.
Her resignation sets the stage for a competitive race against the current Gulu City Woman MP, Betty Aol Ocan, a seasoned opposition politician and former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Ocan has held parliamentary office since 2006, serving as Gulu District Woman MP before transitioning to represent Gulu City in 2021.
Experience in Conflict Resolution
Obina has a deep understanding of conflict and recovery in Northern Uganda, having actively participated in mediation efforts during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency. In 2007, she was part of the Ugandan delegation that facilitated a meeting between LRA leader Joseph Kony and his mother in South Sudan.
She began her career in the President’s Office in 2001 as Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs before being promoted to private secretary and head of documentation, a role she held until her resignation.
