By URN
Preparations are underway in Arua to welcome former Gender minister and member of parliament Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, who fled into exile in the United States 15 years ago after exposing corruption at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The former MP for Arua district and Ayivu County quietly returned to Uganda in August 2024 and has since been living and working at Gen Salim Saleh’s residence in Gulu, without setting foot in her hometown of Arua City or the greater West Nile region.
A nurse by profession, Bakoko began her career at Yumbe hospital before becoming the district nurse at Arua hospital. She later transitioned into politics, serving as Woman MP for Arua from 1996 to 2001. In 2001, she defeated then MP Dick Nyai to represent Ayivu County until 2006.
During her tenure in parliament, she was appointed minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development. In 2007, Bakoko fled Uganda and sought asylum in the US, citing threats to her life after alleging massive corruption at NSSF.
She claimed that at least $5 million (then about Shs 5 billion) was being siphoned from the pension fund monthly by members of the First Family, including President Museveni’s brother, Gen Salim Saleh.
Her troubles began with the NSSF Nsimbe Estates scandal, in which she reportedly blocked a fraudulent deal that would have cost the fund over Shs 8 billion. In May 2011, President Museveni officially pardoned her and encouraged her to return home.
Bakoko is expected to make her first public appearance in West Nile at the commemoration of 22 years of peace in the region, scheduled for April 12, 2025, in Yumbe district. President Museveni, who will preside over the event, is expected to recognize her role in pacifying the region during the West Nile Bank Front and Uganda National Rescue Front II rebellions.
On Sunday, April 13, she will travel from Yumbe to Arua city for a grand welcome and thanksgiving Mass at Greenlight Stadium in Onduparaka. The Mass will be presided over by the Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki.
Bakoko will later meet with Ayivu elders and address the people of Ayivu. Ceaser Draecabo, chairperson of the central organizing committee for her homecoming, said her return is symbolic and reignites the region’s development agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Bakoko’s second-born daughter Faith Cecilia—who lived with her in the US said her mother’s 16-year absence left a deep void.
“Mum coming home after a long time is absolutely significant for us. It’s amazing to see the entire family feel the unity we felt under her wing. Mum has always been the backbone of our family. There are so many people who call her ‘mummy’ because of her care and love. Her absence for over 16 years felt like the loss of a loved one. I was fortunate to have her close, but for my siblings who couldn’t travel, they asked me to thank President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for this amazing opportunity to bring mum home.”
Angelo Drani Dradriga, an Ayivu elder and foreign affairs officer based in the Lake Albert region who worked closely with Bakoko, highlighted her contributions to peacebuilding in West Nile.
Swadik Angupale, deputy resident city commissioner of Arua, confirmed that the family and the organizing committee had been cleared to host her grand homecoming. Joyce Amaguru, a longtime friend of Bakoko and the NRM chairperson for Arua city, noted that her return could mark a turning point for the ruling party in the region ahead of the next general elections.
“We have consulted and talked to her. She has not deviated; she is still a member of the NRM party. Whether she returns to active politics or not—which we haven’t heard officially she will certainly be a mobilizer for the party. She’ll support all those contesting on the NRM ticket, from His Excellency to other positions. As NRM, we’re ready to receive her and support her,” Amaguru said.
It is highly anticipated that President Museveni will not only award Bakoko a Peace Medal in Yumbe but also attend her homecoming celebrations in Arua city. Bakoko is widely expected to contest in the upcoming elections.
