Five battle for Padyere county seat
PADYERE constituency in Nebbi district has an estimated 70,000 voters. The people in the county depend on farming and business for survival. For a long time, the area has been a stronghold for the NRM ruling party.
By Benedict Okethwengu
PADYERE constituency in Nebbi district has an estimated 70,000 voters. The people in the county depend on farming and business for survival. For a long time, the area has been a stronghold for the NRM ruling party.
In the 2006 general elections, the late David Ringecan, who stood on the UPC ticket, beat Patrick Aloysius Okumu Ringa, the former State Minister for Public Service, to become the member of Parliament for Padyere County.
However, the seat later fell vacant following the death of Ringecan in February, prompting a byelection in which Dr. Pascal Odoch (NRM), the incumbent, reclaimed the constituency.
The five people who are contesting against Odoch are Joshua Carter Anywarach (independent), Robert Onega (FDC), Shaban Said Oloya (DP), Patrick Aloysius Okumu Ringa, Duke Olama Dickson (UPC).
Odoch says his plan is to restructure Padyere. He said he has built Cidu bridge in Erussi sub-county. He lobbied for Erussi Health Center III and it has been elevated to a grade IV centre, which is providing better services.
However, the voters want the candidates to address the poor state of the roads and the poor academic performance in schools.
They also want leaders who can provide electricity and modernise agriculture in the constituency.
Lazarus Opio, a resident of Parombo sub-county, said Padyere county is blessed with cash crops like cotton and coffee, so they need electricity which will pave the way for industrialisation.
Robert Onega, the FDC flag-bearer, said he would make sure all the government programmes are implemented in the interest of the poor. He said he would win, arguing that after all he has support among the youth and women.
Duke Olama Dickson Orkerson (UPC) said he would set up a committee at village level to manage the constituency development fund.
He said previous leaders have not been using the constituency development funds properly.
Joshua Anyawrach (independent) said his focus will be employment and education for the youth.
Shaban Said Oloya (DP) said the education gap among the youth remains wide and that if elected, he would put more emphasis on vocational skills training for the youth.
However, the influx of youth into the Padyere county race has not gone down well with some voters.
Phillips Ogentho says electing the youth is like sacrificing their county.
He said the youth usually use politics to meet their ends instead of providing services to the local people.
“We are not going to benefit and get the needed services; we have youth who will only mind their stomachs,†he said.
Acaye Paska said candidates should focus on income-generating activities for marginalised groups. “It is unfortunate that our candidates have left out the disabled, and women in their manifestos,†he said.
PADYERE constituency in Nebbi district has an estimated 70,000 voters. The people in the county depend on farming and business for survival. For a long time, the area has been a stronghold for the NRM ruling party.
In the 2006 general elections, the late David Ringecan, who stood on the UPC ticket, beat Patrick Aloysius Okumu Ringa, the former State Minister for Public Service, to become the member of Parliament for Padyere County.
However, the seat later fell vacant following the death of Ringecan in February, prompting a byelection in which Dr. Pascal Odoch (NRM), the incumbent, reclaimed the constituency.
The five people who are contesting against Odoch are Joshua Carter Anywarach (independent), Robert Onega (FDC), Shaban Said Oloya (DP), Patrick Aloysius Okumu Ringa, Duke Olama Dickson (UPC).
Odoch says his plan is to restructure Padyere. He said he has built Cidu bridge in Erussi sub-county. He lobbied for Erussi Health Center III and it has been elevated to a grade IV centre, which is providing better services.
However, the voters want the candidates to address the poor state of the roads and the poor academic performance in schools.
They also want leaders who can provide electricity and modernise agriculture in the constituency.
Lazarus Opio, a resident of Parombo sub-county, said Padyere county is blessed with cash crops like cotton and coffee, so they need electricity which will pave the way for industrialisation.
Robert Onega, the FDC flag-bearer, said he would make sure all the government programmes are implemented in the interest of the poor. He said he would win, arguing that after all he has support among the youth and women.
Duke Olama Dickson Orkerson (UPC) said he would set up a committee at village level to manage the constituency development fund.
He said previous leaders have not been using the constituency development funds properly.
Joshua Anyawrach (independent) said his focus will be employment and education for the youth.
Shaban Said Oloya (DP) said the education gap among the youth remains wide and that if elected, he would put more emphasis on vocational skills training for the youth.
However, the influx of youth into the Padyere county race has not gone down well with some voters.
Phillips Ogentho says electing the youth is like sacrificing their county.
He said the youth usually use politics to meet their ends instead of providing services to the local people.
“We are not going to benefit and get the needed services; we have youth who will only mind their stomachs,†he said.
Acaye Paska said candidates should focus on income-generating activities for marginalised groups. “It is unfortunate that our candidates have left out the disabled, and women in their manifestos,†he said.