Pallisa, Uganda: Residents of Komolo-Kobuin Village in Akisim Sub-county broke into cheers on Sunday after Pallisa District Woman MP Catherine Achola disclosed that she had opted to turn the Shs300 million vehicle grant allocated to Members of Parliament into assets intended for community use.
Achola said she had split the money into three key assets, a Fuso truck, a set of chairs and a hard-body pickup designed to cope with the challenging rural roads in Pallisa.
She made the disclosure during the burial of Keron Tukei, son of Alfred Okwerede, where residents welcomed the initiative as an example of leadership focused on community needs.
Achola said the truck would be used to ease transportation for mourners, students and faith groups, including residents travelling for religious pilgrimages such as the annual Namugongo Martyrs celebrations.
Esther Akia, one of the mourners, praised Achola for choosing assets that could benefit residents over expenditure she said would have only provided short-term benefits.
“She considered items that benefit all the people rather than buying drinks that end in one day. This is what leadership looks like,” Akia said.
Former Akisim Sub-county councillor John Julius Okakii, who emceed the function, said the truck could significantly improve transportation for communities.
“When Achola delivers the truck she has declared to us, it will ease movement of mourners to other places even outside Pallisa, and those going for religious missions,” Okakii said.
Achola also addressed concerns from constituents over why she had not yet organised a thanksgiving ceremony following her victory in the February 12, 2026 elections.
She said she had chosen to prioritise community needs before organising the celebration.
“I am aware some people are complaining why I have not organized a function to thank God and the people. But I thought of impressing community concerns first. The priorities will not divert me from thanking you for the real love you showed me. We shall do it later,” Achola said.
The legislator also extended an olive branch to supporters of her former political opponents, including former MP Kevin Kaala Ojinga and NUP’s Jane Abbo, assuring them that her office remained open to all constituents.
“Do not fear to approach for any assistance within my means. I am the Member of Parliament for five years as per the grace of God,” she said.
With the LCII chairperson and committee elections scheduled for Monday, August 10, Achola urged residents to elect leaders who would prioritise community interests.
“My prayer is for a peaceful exercise. As your leader I will not interfere. I request you elect leaders who will champion your community’s needs rather than their own personal benefit. I see no reason why even the lowest leadership position has been monetized,” she said.
Achola also encouraged residents to take advantage of the second-season rains by planting early-maturing crops and urged them to embrace government programmes intended to improve household livelihoods.
The MP apologised for missing several burials in the constituency because of her parliamentary duties, but said her office remained represented through coordinators.
“It would not be right for some people to assume I am selective when it comes to burials. The fact remains, whether I am around or my delegate stands for me, my condolence remains uniform across the 498 villages in Pallisa,” Achola said.
The gathering also brought renewed calls for support to education, particularly for girls joining secondary school.
John Opedun of Kibale Town Council urged Achola to sustain support for girls entering secondary education. “I don’t want people to mislead the MP that that was Kaala’s project. The children to benefit are for the people who voted her willingly,” Opedun said.
Residents also welcomed Achola’s approach to implementing some of the pledges she made during the election campaign.
Kirya Sam of Kasodo Sub-county said leaders should be judged by what they deliver after elections. “Most politicians are tricky. What they tell voters is not what they implement, forgetting five years is a short time for people to remind you of the pledges,” Kirya said.
The community assets announced by Achola are expected to be deployed across Pallisa, although residents said the ultimate test would be whether people from all sub-counties can access them when they need them.
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