The Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and some Deputy RDCs from Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Oyam, Kole; Kwania, Lira and Otuke districts all converged at Omwonyle Primary School, Omwonye village in Ogor sub-county, Otuke on June 25 to witness the launch of the first phase of the construction of community access roads (CARs).
On Wednesday, Otuke district hosted the national lunch of the construction of 1,034km out of 2,500 of CARs under National Oilseeds Project (NOSP). The project started in 2021 and will end in 2028, with financing closing date scheduled for March 31, 2029.
NOSP is being implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. The former is handling component two: support to market linkage infrastructure serving oilseeds sector and aims to rehabilitate, construct and build roads and small bridges across the 81 benefiting districts.
Like component one: support to oilseed value chain development which is worth $77.05m, component two is funded by Opec Fund, $30m, IFAD $32m and the Government of Uganda contributing up to $6.5m.
Both components benefit nine districts in the Lango sub-region, with representatives from Chief Administrative Officers, Community Development Officers, Natural Resources Officers, and Resident Commissioners and LC5 chairpersons attending the launch.
In his welcome address, Otuke Deputy RDC Francis Okwameri stated that the district is peaceful, secure, friendly, and hard-working.
He later asked the chief guest, Vice President Jessica Alupo (represented by Otuke district woman MP Susan Abeja), to introduce his fellow Commissioners.
Abang Beatrice Molly, Deputy RDC of Lira, spoke next after Oyam RDC and enquired about the votes for President Museveni from the residents of Otuke. The chorus responses were in affirmatives.
Isaac Opio Opeo, Assistant RDC, Otuke said: “Otuke has a very unique history. We came from Abyssinia and settled here in Got Otuke, all the Langi and now we have dispersed elsewhere. So, that is why, Otuke, historically is very unique.”
“Secondly, Otuke gave Yoweri Kaguta Museveni over 79% of the votes in the last elections. We are still promising that Otuke would still deliver Mzee’s votes – over 80%.”
Josephine Omara Olili, RDC of Kole, after introducing herself, quickly turned to the tent where the wananchi had sat and asked, “….do you still remember that my foods are still with you there (ingeo wunu mon ni deka moro pwod tye i dek wu kano?)” (wild laugher ensued). “You have all understood well, right?” she asked. “Yeee…aaah,” they replied in unison. “I will follow it up,” RDC Olili told them.
Francis Okello Rwotlonyo, RDC of Amolatar, said, “…I come from the center of Uganda. Amolatar comes second after Otuke when it comes to voting NRM in Lango sub-region.”
Barbra Akech, RDC of Dokolo, said: “…I am so blessed to be here to witnessed the launch of this project. As a district, we have also benefited: 9.2km road,” she said.
RDC Akech turned to the tent for the wananchi and told them, “Clap your hands and thank the President.” They did it!
Shilako James, RDC Oyam only greeted the guest of honor, and did not “talk politics.”
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