MP Ariko Takes Oath, Pledges People-Centered Leadership

 May 13, 2026   |    50 views

By Our Reporter I Ngariam Focus 

PARLIAMENT-Excitement and optimism engulfed Gweri County as Hon. Herbert Edmund Okworo Ariko was officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Gweri County, marking the beginning of a new political chapter for the constituency.

Speaking to the press shortly after taking the oath, Hon. Ariko pledged unwavering commitment to the people who entrusted him with the mandate, saying his leadership would be anchored on humility, service, and development.

“Today is not about Herbert Ariko as an individual. It is about the people of Gweri County who have placed their trust in me. I take this oath with deep humility and a clear understanding that leadership is service above self. I am committed to serving Gweri County, Soroti, Teso and Uganda with honesty, diligence and results-oriented leadership,” Hon. Ariko said.

He further noted that his priority would be amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens in Parliament while ensuring that development reaches every corner of Gweri County.

NRM Leaders Hail Ariko’s Track Record

The NRM leadership in Gweri County praised Hon. Ariko for what they described as a rare culture of service that began long before he officially entered Parliament.

Awaliwal Sub County NRM Chairperson, Emmanuel Ajalu, described Ariko as a leader whose actions have consistently spoken louder than campaign rhetoric.

“Many leaders wait to hold office before they begin working. Hon. Ariko is different. He has been solving community challenges even before becoming MP. The people of Gweri elected someone they already know through his work and generosity,” Ajalu said.

Ajalu noted that Ariko’s interventions in critical sectors made him a preferred choice among voters.

LC3 Chairperson Praises Development-Oriented Leadership

The LC3 Chairperson of Awaliwal Sub County, Hon. Peter Ebau Ochom, applauded the new legislator for demonstrating practical leadership that directly impacts households.

“Hon. Ariko has touched lives across Gweri in ways many leaders only promise during campaigns. From supporting schools, improving roads and standing with vulnerable communities, his leadership has already been visible on the ground,” Ochom stated.

He expressed confidence that Ariko’s presence in Parliament would accelerate service delivery and strengthen development efforts in the constituency.

Water, Roads, Electricity and Social Support Highlighted

The NRM Chairperson for Aukot Sub County, Maximiliano Alaun, highlighted several development projects that Hon. Ariko championed even before officially becoming MP.

According to Alaun, Ariko played a major role in extending clean water access to several communities through borehole rehabilitation and water initiatives.

“Hon. Ariko addressed one of our biggest challenges—water scarcity. He supported several water projects that have changed lives in our communities. He has also contributed toward power connections, road repairs and educational support for learners,” Alaun said.

He added that Ariko has consistently supported youth groups, women initiatives and elderly persons through empowerment programs and direct assistance.

“Our youth have received support, women groups have been empowered and the elderly have not been forgotten. That is why people trust him. His work was already visible before he took the oath today,” Alaun added.

As celebrations continue across Gweri County, residents remain hopeful that Hon. Ariko’s tenure will usher in accelerated development and stronger representation for the constituency at the national level.

For many in Gweri, today’s swearing-in ceremony was not merely a constitutional process—it was the formal recognition of a leader many believe has already been working for the people.