Oyam, Uganda: Oyam South Independent candidate Queen Dorothy Amolo has pledged to draft a landmark Bill to regulate commodity prices if elected as the area Member of Parliament, saying the legislation would protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen and stabilise incomes across the agricultural sector.
Amolo, who is among eight candidates cleared by the Electoral Commission to contest for the seat, told voters across all eight sub-counties and Oyam Town Council that the price-regulation Bill would ensure farmers dictate uniform market rates for their produce.
She said the current system, where input prices remain high while harvest prices collapse, keeps hardworking farmers trapped in poverty.
“A farmer wakes up early to work in the garden, but once the harvest is out, middlemen come in to cheat you,” Amolo said. “This happens because parliamentarians have no heart for farmers. When I am voted in, the first Bill I will draft is one to regulate market prices of commodities.”
Amolo also accused district leaders of failing to account for funds allocated for road rehabilitation, saying the state of Oyam’s road network does not reflect the resources the government sends annually.
“Government sends one billion shillings every year for road maintenance. Where is that money going?” she asked. “Which road has been rehabilitated using it? When? Who is awarded the contract? We cannot remain silent while our roads remain in poor condition yet government continues to send money for them.”
Responding to the concerns, Eng. George Okite Okeng, the Oyam District Engineer, said the district’s road challenges stem from insufficient funding, noting that the available resources cannot cover the 252.5 kilometres of district roads. He said national allocations must reflect district size and needs if sustainable maintenance is to be achieved.
“Parliamentarians must revise guidelines to let districts plan routine road maintenance,” Okite said. “Roads worked on in 2024–2025 now look bushy, raising doubts. Government should prioritise funding by district size because the resources are insufficient.”
Residents too voiced concerns about deep-rooted barriers affecting agricultural growth. John Bua from Adebe Trading Centre noted that subsistence farming persists due to poor storage, limited market access and lack of financing. He asked leaders to lobby for ox-plough distribution and subsidised seed prices to support large-scale farming.
Queen Amolo, who finished second to Amongi in 2021 with 14,883 votes, is banking on her strong rural support to mount a more formidable challenge this cycle. She says the people of Oyam South want leaders who “fight for farmers” and uphold accountability.
Oyam South is currently represented by Gender Minister Betty Amongi, who is now contesting for Lira City Woman MP. Those vying to replace her include Patrick Ogwang Obura (NRM), Geoffrey Owilli (UPC), Isaa Otoo Amiza (NUP), Godfrey Odong (PF), and independents Queen Amolo, Dr Ekwaro Obuku, Bernard Awuku and Patrick Obong.
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