Prioritise health services, residents demand

2021 ELECTIONS |

Residents of Dokolo district have urged those vying for leadership positions in the coming elections to critically analyse the pressing issues in the district and give them priority.

Speaking during the launch of Member of Parliament Cecilia Ogwal's campaign at Bata trading centre, they also warned politicians against making empty promises.

Grace Angom Ocen, a resident of Agweta trading centre, said their issues of concern, include poor performance in schools, bad roads, the limping state of health units and lack of market for their produce.

"As a resident of Dokolo district, those coming into leadership must be able to state how they plan to handle some of these issues," she said.

Sarah Acen, a resident of Adwoki trading centre, said they produce a lot of rice and beans, yet there is lack of ready market.

"We do not have a district hospital, which has made it difficult in case of health-related complication," she added. The district has a health centre IV. Solomon Okuma, another resident, said many youth have not benefited from the Government's Youth Livelihood Programme.

"The project is not clear and we want leaders who are coming to make it clear so that we also benefit," he added.

MP Ogwal said her vision in the next term of office is to see that a district hospital is built and also continue to promote education of girls.

"Dokolo is growing because I have tried my best to pursue the interest of the people that I represent," she said.

The seat has attracted two more contenders, Jane Adongo Elau of the National Resistance Movement and Aguti Sarah Nyangkori of the Uganda People's Congress.

The campaign for presidential, parliamentary and LC5 chairpersons started last Monday, but Adongo said she is still sick, so she could not start campaigns.

"I am still admitted in hospital. I cannot speak," she said.

Nyangkori identified most of the pressing issues like poor performance, inadequate health facilities, high school dropout, lack of district hospital and persistent drug stock-outs.