By Derick Omoding
In a remarkable show of unity beyond political lines, the Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Achom Alobo Joan, has joined forces with the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Clair Ayipo, to spearhead the organization of the belated Women’s Day celebrations.
The new partnership was solidified today during a lively and heavily attended meeting held at Soroti City Hall, hundreds of women from various backgrounds rallied behind the cause, determined to make this year’s celebration memorable, despite earlier challenges.
During the meeting, the women nominated Deputy RCC Clair Ayipo as the Chairperson of the organizing committee, she will be deputized by Hon. Ipagi Juliet, the Deputy Mayor of Soroti City. MP Joan Alobo was appointed as the committee’s Secretary, ensuring a strong and diverse leadership team.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Alobo revealed that her efforts to organize the Women’s Day celebration had previously been thwarted multiple times by security operatives due to her affiliation with the opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
“Several attempts were made to silence my initiatives because of my political identity, but today, we are moving past politics to serve our women,” Alobo stated passionately.
Finger-pointing at Soroti City Resident Commissioner, Mr. Peter Pex Paak, had marred previous efforts, but Deputy RCC Ayipo’s bold move to work hand in hand with Alobo has been widely applauded, heir collaboration is seen as a major step toward bridging political divisions in Soroti City and promoting unity among women.
This move also follows the disbandment of a parallel committee that had been controversially formed by Sarah Inachu, an aspirant. The new, official committee under the leadership of Alobo and Ayipo has now taken full charge of preparations for the much-anticipated celebrations.
In her remarks, Deputy RCC Clair Ayipo emphasized the need for unity and the importance of transcending political differences for the greater good of women in Soroti City.
“As a fellow woman, I have teamed up with Woman Member of Parliament Joan Alobo to ensure that the belated Women’s Day is celebrated in a befitting manner,” Ayipo said.
She further highlighted that political affiliations should not interfere with women’s causes.
“I have told fellow women that Hon. Alobo, as our elected Woman MP, deserves respect, regardless of her belonging to the FDC opposition party,” Ayipo stressed.
The committee leadership is as follows:
Chairperson: Clair Ayipo (Deputy RCC, Soroti City), Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Ipagi Juliet (Deputy Mayor, Soroti City), Secretary: Hon. Achom Alobo Joan (Woman Member of Parliament, Soroti City), Treasurer: Amongin Helen, Publicity: Agonyo Juliet (Speaker, Soroti City Council) and Welfare Officer: Ikilai Mary.
The formation of this diverse and politically inclusive committee has already been hailed by many women leaders and residents alike as a progressive move towards achieving real empowerment and development for the women of Soroti City.
Observers note that such partnerships could serve as a blueprint for future engagements between leaders of different political backgrounds, especially in a country where political rivalries often disrupt community-based initiatives.
With the official committee now in place and preparations underway, Soroti City looks forward to a grand celebration that not only honors women but also symbolizes hope, resilience, and the power of unity.
The belated Women’s Day event is expected to take place on 9th May 2025.
The event is expected to draw women from all walks of life and will serve as a platform to celebrate achievements, advocate for women’s rights, and inspire greater collaboration in the future.