Pallisa (UG);- Politicians in Pallisa District’s Agule County aspiring for elective offices should prioritize consulting the people rather than imposing their assumptions about what the community needs.
Herbert Okello Okudel, a hopeful for Agule County in Pallisa District and an aspirant in the NRM primaries, raised this issue after Hon. Sam Otukol, the Pallisa County MP who intends to cross to Agule, bought a cow for a meal during the confirmation of Anglican believers at Agurur Church of Uganda. This was discussed following the whistleblowing by Prof. Tanga Odoi’s NRM electoral commission.
Okello, who pledged 100 iron sheets and has so far delivered 70, emphasized that the church’s priority lies in completing its structure, including roofing, plastering, shuttering, and flooring.
“The one million my brother Otukol spent on a cow would have bought 35 bags of cement. It’s ideally not tangible help to give Christians a meal instead of completing the house that will stay for a longer period,” Mr Okello said.
He urged the community to avoid associating with leaders who exhibit disrespectful or abusive behavior, as such conduct sets a poor example for the younger generation.
Okello further stated that he envisions Agule as a model for mature politics, free of intrigue. “Agule should set an example,” he emphasized.
Sam Okiror, a member of the congregation, recounted their attempt to persuade MP Otukol to redirect his cow donation towards the church’s construction efforts. However, Otukol rarely answers calls from unknown numbers, leaving them unable to communicate their request.
“When Otukol was on Aisa FM radio, he aired his pledge for a cow, and I wanted to tell him to add iron sheets for us. Even children at home should be asked what they need, not what you think will excite them,” Okiror said.
Sarah Acam expressed gratitude to Okello for his consistent efforts to address the community’s needs. “In December last year, he came to church and asked what his family should offer during the Thanksgiving and memorial service of his wife, Apolot Joyce Mary, who died serving their Lord in their church,” Acam said.
Lious Patrick Okia, the Pallisa District assistant RDC, highlighted security concerns in Agule County during a recent council meeting.
“There are politicians who know their political inferiority, but because they have money, they handpick others to contest with the mere purpose of making those they don’t agree with lose to the advantage of others, not necessarily even the person they staged,” Okia said.
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