PROFILE by Peterson Otwakai
PARLIAMENT – Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko Okworo, the esteemed MP for Soroti City East, has ascended to the prestigious position of Chairperson of the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
Familiarly known as “Baby Face” due to his youthful countenance or “Einer kede Aswam” due to his swift response to delivery of services, Ariko’s political odyssey commenced in 2016 when he triumphed in the FDC primaries and subsequently secured a parliamentary seat. His legislative contributions encompass the Anti (Modern) Slavery Bill, the Local Content Bill co-authored with Hon. Patrick Nsamba, and the landmark elevation of Soroti to city status.
Ariko, progeny of the late Ms. Stella Asengo and the late Stephen Omoding Ariko—a former MP and Minister of Justice& Attorney General during the Obote II regime—boasts an illustrious educational pedigree.
He holds a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences, a Master’s in Management Studies, a Master of Arts in Ethics and Public Management. He also wields a postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management among other Human Resource and Strategic Management qualifications.
His academic journey, marked by excellence, has equipped him with a robust foundation for his multifaceted career.
With a distinguished over fifteen-year tenure in public service, Ariko’s professional trajectory includes roles as Personnel Officer, Senior Personnel Officer, and Assistant Director of Human Resources at the Parliamentary Commission.
His international acumen is evidenced by his capacity-building endeavors in South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, and Puntland, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening legislative frameworks.
As Chairperson now, Ariko is poised to advocate for the judicious stewardship of Uganda’s natural resources, leveraging his extensive expertise and sagacious leadership.
His robust dedication to public service and environmental governance heralds a new epoch of responsible management and sustainable prosperity.
In Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko, Uganda finds not only a steadfast public servant but also a visionary leader committed to safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage for future generations.
