By: Hellen Namale
KAMPALA
Dr. Kenneth Omona, the Minister of State for Northern Uganda has urged MPs from Sebei and Elgon Sub-Region to identify unique opportunities in their constituents that the government can support through its various programs such as PDM to catalyze development.
Citing the 7 pillars of PDM, Dr. Omona emphasized that for affirmative action programs to have an impact and transform lives of the local people, MPs have a crucial role in mobilizing people towards productive activities, monitoring and evaluating their progress in regards wealth creation.
“Ensure that people use the money (PDM) for intended purposes not for petty issues such as clearing debts, school fees or buying household items. This is capital to be used to build wealth, it is not for free, they (beneficiaries) are supposed to return it,” Dr. Omona told the MPs during a consultative meeting at OPM head offices yesterday.
He appealed to the MPs to take advantage of the Parliamentary regional sittings which begin next week in Gulu and later in Mbale to raise pertinent issues in their local areas for consideration during budget appropriation and for government intervention.
Dr. Omona and MPs from Elgon and Sebei Region
The Minister requested the MPs to extend their oversight role by asking for accountability from local community leaders on how funds disbursed have been spent so that they act as a watchdog for the masses who elected them. He said he had taken the initiative to revive “Barazas” also known as community engagements to help leaders in their role of monitoring and evaluating government programs by gathering information from the public.
“I wrote to the Ministry of Local Government to inform the local leaders of the different sub-regions that every three months they should organize a Baraza which will be used to address and teach people about certain issues,” Dr. Omona said.
He also requested the MPs to take advantage of churches during mass by requesting religious leaders for time to call out extensive workers to teach and guide people about wealth questions.
Reacting to the Minister’s submission, the MPs appreciated Dr. Omona for involving them in the consultative process as they previously were naïve and were missing out on several government opportunities as they didn’t know under which affirmative action ministry they belonged.
They cited instabilities created mostly by Karamajong warriors and the Pokots, adverse effects of climate change such as landslides, poor road and communication infrastructure, power water and sanitation services and lack of schools among others as the major hindrances faced by their people in the pursuit of wealth.
“We were promised cattle compensation due to the cattle rustling that took place but till now people in the sub-region have not received anything. Another issue is that we were promised farming tools like hoes and tractors but they disappeared in thin air,” said the Bulambuli County MP Isaac Katenya.
Dr. Omona (R) interacts with an MP after the meeting
The Chairperson of the Elgon Parliamentary Caucus and Member of parliament for Bungokho North in Mbale District, Hon. Richard Wanda, asked the Minister to use his close ties with the President for a regional University to be set up in the region.
“We sat as local leaders and unanimously agreed that Mbale Local Government acts as the headquarters for the University where 54 acres of land have already been secured,” he said.
“We also request you to reach out to the President and inform him that if possible he can construct an airstrip which will help in the promotion of tourism because Elgon has a perfect climate and this will improve the standard of living for the people,” said Bukwo Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Evelyn Chemutai.
In his response, the Minister promised to follow up on the issues raised in the meeting but also advised the MPs to write to the respective Ministries so that his Ministry can help with follow-up on the raised issues.
