Oyam, Uganda: Moses Opito, one of six contenders for the NRM parliamentary flag in Oyam South, has launched an environmental-focused campaign rooted in climate resilience, poverty alleviation, and long-term economic empowerment, setting himself apart from rivals offering only lofty promises.
While others await the campaign window to roll out their manifestos, Opito has already embarked on ground-level action, distributing perennial crop seedlings and promoting sustainable agriculture as a cornerstone of his vision for Oyam South.
During a recent launch held at St. John Church of Uganda, Akaka Parish, Opito donated 100 cocoa and 108 pine tree seedlings to the Mothers’ Union and Fathers’ Union, with a commitment to expand the campaign across the constituency.
“Trees like cocoa and pine are more than crops, they’re investments. They restore our environment, generate wealth, and protect future generations,” Opito told residents.
Why Trees in his Campaign?
Opito has framed his green campaign not just as an agricultural initiative but as a strategic response to poverty, deforestation, and the climate crisis. For example, cocoa trees offer steady, long-term income compared to seasonal crops that are vulnerable to weather and price shocks.
Another reason is Climate Resilience: Opito argues that trees help regulate water cycles, restore soil fertility, and sequester carbon, building environmental protection for generations. With Uganda’s forest cover shrinking, Opito further believes reforestation is critical to reviving biodiversity and combating land degradation.
“I am urging churches, youth groups, and women’s organizations to take leadership in environmental recovery. Climate security is everyone’s business,” he said.
William Omara Obonyo, head of laity in Akaka Parish, welcomed the initiative as “a long-term investment in both climate resilience and economic transformation.”
Beyond Farming: Water Access and Land Security
In addition to environmental conservation, Opito is directly addressing Oyam South’s water access crisis, pledging to repair 153 non-functional boreholes that have left thousands of residents without clean water for years.
A recent community assessment revealed the extent of the water challenge, with boreholes damaged and abandoned across parishes. “Clean water is not a luxury, it’s a right. Restoring these boreholes is the first step toward restoring dignity,” Opito stated.
He also vowed to help secure land titles for public institutions, citing the vulnerability of schools, health centers, and community assets to land grabbing due to lack of formal ownership. “Securing land titles isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting the next generation’s access to education and healthcare,” he said during a recent meeting in Alidi Parish.
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