Pallisa, Uganda: Agule County Member of Parliament David Ochwa has pledged to lobby government for the extension of electricity to Aleles Bridge Trading Centre in Chelekura Sub-county, describing the area as a future commercial hub linking Pallisa and Ngora districts.
Speaking to residents, Ochwa, who is seeking re-election as an independent candidate, said government had already invested UGX 11 billion in the construction of the 200-metre Aleles Bridge, and that power connectivity was now critical to unlocking its economic potential.
“This bridge was lobbied by me during the Ninth Parliament. Government, through the Ministry of Local Government under the Community Agricultural Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CAIIP), started works in 2013,” Ochwa said.
“But political deception stalled many projects. Aleles deserves electricity because this will soon be the busiest trading centre in the new Agule District,” he added.
Ochwa, who apologised to residents for past political misunderstandings that cost him the NRM flag, pledged to complete unfinished community programmes, including securing land for Chelekura Sub-county headquarters and education institutions.
He revealed that he had already secured a land title for Akisim Seed Secondary School after the Church of Uganda Bukedi Diocese Board of Trustees released five acres for the school’s establishment. He added that in Boliso Sub-county, the Catholic Church had also agreed to provide land, which he has committed to surveying to meet Ministry of Education requirements.
As the festive season approaches, Ochwa urged voters to remain politically vigilant.
“Enjoy the festive season, but on January 15, wake up early and vote President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose symbol is the bus. When you reach the MPs’ section, look for the chair and tick for meaningful leadership,” he told supporters.
Residents Weigh In
Residents in Chelekura Sub-county expressed mixed but shifting views in favour of Ochwa’s candidacy.
Rose Oumo, a resident of Aujabel Village, said the legislator’s apology had resonated with the community. “Ochwa is a good leader. When he distanced himself from us, we opted for the NRM flag bearer. Now that he has apologised sincerely, we are ready to vote for him,” Oumo said.
She added that leaders with established investments and assets in the area were more likely to safeguard community interests.
Agule District Councillor Peter Opio blamed underdevelopment on political intrigue, accusing powerful individuals of frustrating Ochwa’s development agenda.
“Ochwa focused on opening a nursing school to meet local needs, while others had access to billions but failed to develop Agule,” Opio said.
Sarah Akello, from Aleles Village, said political momentum had shifted rapidly in Chelekura Sub-county, citing solar security lights installed in trading centres as a key factor. “The debate now favours Ochwa and Herbert Okello. People feel safer and business is improving,” Akello noted.
Meanwhile, Paul Opolot, a resident of Opadoi in Akisim Sub-county, praised Ochwa’s Agule Institute of Health Sciences and Management, describing it as a vital local market.
“Ochwa needs about 200 kilograms of maize daily for students, yet supplies come from Busoga and Bugishu. Local farmers are missing out,” Opolot said, noting that business activity in Agule Town Council slows when the school is on holiday.
As campaigns intensify across Agule County, electricity access, education infrastructure and local economic opportunities are emerging as defining issues for voters.
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