By Derick Omoding
The Serere Presidential Rally on Monday was not short of surprises, but what stood out most was the overwhelming attention and affection shown to Serere Woman MP aspirant Acom Esther Lucy, who stole the show with her charismatic presence and massive grassroots appeal.
Despite not being the official National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Acom’s entry at the Serere District Headquarters grounds sparked excitement among the crowds, with chants of “Acom! Acom!” echoing across the venue. Supporters waved handkerchiefs and danced, visibly thrilled by her arrival. It was clear that her popularity among the people of Serere remains unmatched.
Moments before President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s arrival, Acom was spotted in the VIP section where she received a warm welcome from several high-profile government officials. Among those who greeted her were Hon. David Calvin Echodu, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Brigadier General Sam Okiding. Both leaders publicly recognized her, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries in a gesture that did not go unnoticed by the crowd and the media.
Her reception contrasted sharply with that of Hon. Hellen Adoa, the incumbent Serere Woman MP and official NRM flag bearer, who received a noticeably cold response from the audience. According to sources close to the organizing committee, security officials had earlier advised the President to avoid delving into the ongoing political rivalry between Adoa and Acom to prevent unrest during the event.
“The President was specifically guided to focus on national issues and his own campaign message rather than endorsing any particular candidate,” said a security source who preferred anonymity.
When it came time for the traditional presentation of party flags, the mood shifted dramatically. As President Museveni invited Adoa to step forward and receive the NRM flag, the previously jubilant crowd fell silent, an unexpected turn that revealed the depth of division among local supporters. The muted response was seen as a silent protest, an expression of the voters’ dissatisfaction with the outcome of the NRM primaries and their continued admiration for Acom.
Many residents interviewed after the rally accused Adoa of allegedly manipulating party structures during the primaries to edge out Acom. “We wanted Acom, but our votes were stolen,” said one local leader from Kateta. “Today’s rally has shown who the people of Serere truly love.”
Political analysts in Teso sub-region argue that Acom’s growing influence poses a serious challenge to the incumbent as the 2026 general elections approach. Her ability to mobilize youth and women groups, combined with her warm and approachable personality, has strengthened her grassroots following.
Whether she runs as an independent or reconciles with the NRM leadership remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, Acom Esther Lucy’s popularity in Serere has become a force that cannot be ignored.
At the Serere rally, she did not just attend, she owned the moment, leaving behind a clear message that the political tide in Serere may be shifting faster than many anticipated.