Dokolo, Uganda — While many legislators spend their days in the marble corridors of Parliament in Kampala, the Woman Member of Parliament for Dokolo District, Hon. Sarah Aguti Nyangkori, has built a reputation that is decidedly different: a lawmaker whose office is often found under the shade of a tree in the village, supervising projects and listening to constituents.
Since taking the oath of office in April 2024, replacing the late Cecilia Ogwal, Aguti has moved quickly to translate her electoral mandate into tangible deliverables, particularly in infrastructure and education .
Perhaps her most significant achievement to date is the revival of the long-stalled Amodo swamp bridge project. For years, residents of Dokolo North and Dokolo South were forced to take long detours, especially during rainy seasons, crippling trade and access to social services.
Rather than waiting for the Ministry of Works to act, Aguti personally lobbied the ministry in 2024 after discovering that construction materials had been withdrawn to Gulu. Her persistence paid off. In March 2026, the site was officially handed over to the contractor. Speaking at the handover, Aguti emphasized the economic impact: “Our farmers have been incurring losses because they cannot easily access markets. With this bridge, we are opening doors to opportunity” . Residents, including local boda riders and businesswomen, have praised her for restoring the project, noting that the district is finally “on the map” .
Aguti’s presence on the ground is also felt in the education sector. In February 2026, she personally recognized and rewarded top performers in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The MP did not just offer words of encouragement; she provided practical items including mattresses, mathematical sets, and sanitary pads for girls, while also subsidizing shopping for their parents . This hands-on approach aims to incentivize academic excellence and keep girls in school, addressing the district’s dropout rates directly.
Her engagement extends beyond infrastructure. In March 2026, she gathered over 2,000 residents to address social issues, pledging to improve academic standards and combat early teenage pregnancies. At the same event, she distributed goats and chickens to various groups, including journalists and women, as a poverty alleviation measure .
While her approach has won her praise for being present and responsive, it also underscores a contrast. Critics of the ” Kampala-centric ” political culture often argue that MPs become disconnected after elections. Aguti’s frequent appearances at site handovers, school award ceremonies, and community barazas suggest she is betting on a different strategy: that visible, on-ground leadership is the most effective way to deliver development and maintain political relevance.
As Dokolo continues to navigate its post-by-election development path, Aguti’s tenure so far illustrates a lawmaker who prefers the dust of the construction site to the comfort of the capital city.
