People`s Progressive Party Celebrates Victory in Pader

The People` Progressive Party (PPP) on Saturday held a celebration for its victory in Pader district during the recent elections.   

Unlike other political parties, PPP which was formed by Bidandi Sali in 2004 had not been able to secure a seat in the parliament as well as the lower council seats for a period of about a decade and  a half.   

However, in the recent election the party fronted Santa Okot as its flag bearer for the Aruu North County constituency parliamentary seat in Pader district in which she was victorious against two other candidates.   

The party also managed to secure thirteen seats in the different local councils within Pader district.   

On Saturday, Santa Okot the Aruu North County MP elect was flanked by the party leadership in Lapyem Village, Laguti Sub County from where a thanksgiving prayer and celebration of the party`s victory was held.   

The ceremony started with a procession through Laguti Sub County and followed by a thanksgiving prayer which was led by the Anglican Bishop of Kitgum Diocese Wilson Kitara among other clergy from different denominations. 

More than 1,500 people from different walks of lives were in attendance at the open ground in Laguti Primary School.   

The party team was led by its Secretary General David Alira Opii and Chairman Saddam Gaira among other officials including its district chairperson Saigon Okello Kibwota. 

They partied, shared party ideologies, awarded certificates to the newly elected people, handed over the party flag and constitution, established an office, swore oath of allegiance, and sung songs of victories.   

Santa Okot, the Aruu North County MP, who was the brain behind the event,  recalled that it was not an easy walk for the party and herself to emerge victorious in the elections against three strong candidates.   

She attributed the victory to the party`s core values of reconciliation, unity and integrity, constructive criticism and supportiveness among others.    

Okot explained that the thanksgiving prayer and celebration was giving back to the people of Pader district who entrusted her and the party to emerge victorious without doubting their competence.  

She promised to stand with other MPs from the ruling party, and also independents for better legislations and representing the interests of the electorate and Ugandans.  

The PPP Chairman Saddam Gaira noted that Santa Okot`s victory was a breakthrough for the party after almost a decade and it would open the door for its expansion for the betterment of politics in Uganda by working with all parties.  

He joyfully explained to the crowd that PPP`s entry to parliament will bring a number of benefits including support and funding from both government and private entities hence the need for more people to join it. 

David Alira Opii, the PPP Secretary General however applauded Northern Uganda particularly Pader district for heading the party entry to parliament after a decade and several years.   

He urged the MP Okot and the elected councilors under the party to serve with diligence, accept dialogue, work with everyone and commit to serve the people.  

On the other hand, Santa Okot applauded the PPP for supporting her and the people of Aruu North for entrusting her as their leader.   

She pledged to work with everyone and disagree with the politics of abuses, attacks and bad hearts but rather undertake positive and constructive criticism.  

Bishop Wilson Kitara the Anglican Bishop for Kitgum diocese urged the party and its leaders to embrace peace, unity and reconciliation instead of fighting other people. 

Filder Ayat, a voter in Laguti Sub County told District Focus that she voted for Okot based on her competence and track of good leadership record exhibited while still in parliament in 2006.   

Saigon Okello Kibwota, the PPP Chairperson for Pader district told URN that he is determined to deeply root the party ideology in Pader district and Acholi Sub Region.