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Government rolls out 5,000 iron sheets to boost infrastructure in Teso
Dr Ongalo noted that his ministry typically acquires between 5,000 to 8,000 iron sheets from OPM each year, with around 2,500 to 3,000 sheets always released quarterly for the 14 local governments, including Pallisa and Butebo.
Dr Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote, the Teso Affairs State Minister handing over iron sheets to beneficiaries. (File photo)
By: Deluxe Emmy Alomu, Journalist @New Vision
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The Office of the Prime Minister under the Teso Affairs Ministry has embarked on the distribution of over 5,000 iron sheets across various districts in Teso to enhance infrastructure development this financial year.
The program was launched by Dr Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote, the Teso Affairs State Minister, with Pallisa receiving 590 iron sheets and Kalaki 736 on July 1st, 2026. Distribution will continue to other districts within the subregion.
These iron sheets will primarily benefit educational institutions and places of worship, assisting in roofing teachers' houses, dormitories, church buildings, and kitchens, among other facilities.
Michael Outa, an elder in Kaucho B Cell in Pallisa Town Council, also received 40 iron sheets.
Dr Ongalo noted that his ministry typically acquires between 5,000 to 8,000 iron sheets from OPM each year, with around 2,500 to 3,000 sheets always released quarterly for the 14 local governments, including Pallisa and Butebo.
He emphasised that his office requires approximately 20,000 sheets annually to adequately address the ongoing requests, stating that the current allocations from OPM are insufficient compared to the demands from public institutions, particularly churches.
The minister explained that the distribution quantity is determined by the significance of requests, indicating that soon his office may only support institutions with a maximum of 150 sheets, especially when managing multiple requests, despite some institutions requesting over 1,500 sheets.
Dr Ongalo noted that his ministry typically acquires between 5,000 to 8,000 iron sheets from OPM each year, with around 2,500 to 3,000 sheets always released quarterly for the 14 local governments, including Pallisa and Butebo.
He emphasised that his office requires approximately 20,000 sheets annually to adequately address the ongoing requests, stating that the current allocations from OPM are insufficient compared to the demands from public institutions, particularly churches.
The minister explained that the distribution quantity is determined by the significance of requests, indicating that soon his office may only support institutions with a maximum of 150 sheets, especially when managing multiple requests, despite some institutions requesting over 1,500 sheets.
Constatine Okwii, the MP for Kibale County in Pallisa, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasising its potential to enhance district infrastructure and praised the Minister for fair distribution, particularly regarding the costly roofing for places of worship, urging continued assistance from the ministry.
Chris Mike Okirya, the Kalaki Resident District Commissioner, highlighted the vital importance of the OPM in improving public infrastructure across education, health, roads, and sanitation, stressing that providing materials like iron sheets is essential for enhancing teacher housing and the well-being of the community.
Franco Olaboro, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kalaki, reported that the district has been grappling with significant challenges like classroom shortages and insufficient facilities for teachers and kitchen operations, but noted that the recent delivery of iron sheets has greatly helped, urging recipients to use them as intended.
Abraham Elasu, the headteacher of Kalaki Secondary School, which received 300 iron sheets, the highest quantity distributed, expressed his appreciation for the resources.
Allan Erou, a lay reader from Kibimo Church of Uganda in Bululu sub-county who received 64 iron sheets for the roofing of the lay readers' house. expressed his gratitude for this support, explaining that he had previously been sleeping in a small grass-thatched house, which was challenging to maintain due to a shortage of grass.
Chris Mike Okirya, the Kalaki Resident District Commissioner, highlighted the vital importance of the OPM in improving public infrastructure across education, health, roads, and sanitation, stressing that providing materials like iron sheets is essential for enhancing teacher housing and the well-being of the community.
Franco Olaboro, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kalaki, reported that the district has been grappling with significant challenges like classroom shortages and insufficient facilities for teachers and kitchen operations, but noted that the recent delivery of iron sheets has greatly helped, urging recipients to use them as intended.
Abraham Elasu, the headteacher of Kalaki Secondary School, which received 300 iron sheets, the highest quantity distributed, expressed his appreciation for the resources.
Allan Erou, a lay reader from Kibimo Church of Uganda in Bululu sub-county who received 64 iron sheets for the roofing of the lay readers' house. expressed his gratitude for this support, explaining that he had previously been sleeping in a small grass-thatched house, which was challenging to maintain due to a shortage of grass.