Opito Moses borehole project: Mothers and Fathers’ Unions get cocoa seedlings in wealth drive

Oyam South | A weekend of transformation and hope unfolded across Wiiacama, Myene, and Akaka parishes in Oyam South, as development and spiritual revival intersected during a two-day outreach led by Oyam South MP aspirant Moses Opito in collaboration with local church leadership.

From handing over a vital water source and empowering women’s groups to donating tree seedlings and supporting Christian rites, the event drew hundreds of locals who expressed optimism for long-awaited change.

Kicking off the activities on Saturday, July 5, Opito donated 100 cocoa and 108 pine tree seedlings to the Mothers and Fathers’ Unions at St. John Church of Uganda in Akaka Parish.

The initiative, he said, is aimed at supporting environmental restoration and economic empowerment.

“Growing trees like cocoa and pine will help families generate income in the long term and contribute to environmental conservation,” Opito said, urging the church to take an active role in climate action.

William Omara Obonyo, head of laity, lauded the gesture, calling it a long-term investment in both climate resilience and economic transformation in the face of growing climate-related challenges.

Later that day, Opito commissioned a new borehole in Opani village, Myene parish ending years of water scarcity.

For residents like Esther Adongo of Awobedee village, the borehole is life-changing.

“We used to share water sources with animals, which exposed us to disease. Now our children can go to school clean and healthy,” she said.

Jacinta Aget, another area resident, added, “This borehole is a blessing. It will reduce waterborne diseases and improve sanitation at home.”

Both mothers thanked Opito for the intervention and promised prayers in his mission to transform Oyam South as an MP.

Local Council I Chairperson Nam Tonny expressed gratitude but emphasized ongoing infrastructure challenges.

“We still face impassable roads, underfunded schools, poor markets, and leadership gaps. We need leaders who address our concerns holistically,” he said, applauding Opito for reaching out to them.

In Wiiacama Parish, Opito supported three local women’s groups: Bediworo Women Group, Orib Cing Women Group, and Note En Teko Women Group with funds to enhance their income-generating projects.

Anna Ayoo, leader of Bediworo, said the group was formed to uplift household incomes. Lucy Adongo, chairperson of Note En Teko (a vendors’ group), noted that the group has supported children’s education through their savings.

Eveline Ajok of Orib Cing urged further support in the form of farming inputs: “We need maize and soya seeds to improve our production and incomes.”

Janet Akullo, a local resident, decried the continued lack of water points, poor roads, and said schools are located far from the children.

Francis Omeri also voiced concern over inadequate markets and the burden of sharing water with livestock.

Judith Anasu, an LC3 women councillor aspirant for Wiiacama Parish, welcomed the support but stressed the need for sustained investment in rural women.

“Women lack access to capital, markets, and training. Yet they are the backbone of our families,” she said.

Saturday’s engagements provided a platform for broader community concerns. Cecilia Akao Okello, the woman councillor for Minakulu, highlighted poor infrastructure, limited clean water, and deteriorating education and health services.

“Our people especially women and youth are suffering in silence. We need development that includes everyone,” she said.

In response, Opito promised transformative leadership if elected: “We must combine moral renewal with infrastructure investment. I will work hand-in-hand with local councils and church leaders to serve our people.”

On Sunday, July 6, the weekend culminated in a vibrant worship service at St. John Church of Uganda in Akaka Parish. Led by Rt. Rev. Julius Caesar Nina Otim, Bishop of West Lango Diocese, the service witnessed the baptism and confirmation of 109 Christians.

“Baptism is not just symbolic; it marks rebirth in Christ. Confirmation strengthens our spiritual journey and calls us to responsible Christian living,” the Bishop told the faithful. “

Bishop Nina also called on godparents to be active spiritual guides.

“You are not here just for today’s ceremony. Walk with these young Christians and help them grow in faith,” he added.

A key highlight of the Sunday celebration was the commissioning of a new eight-room house for the Archdeacon, constructed with contributions from church members and community leaders including political figures.

Alfred Okwanga, the parish’s head of construction, said the congregation initially raised shs7 million through fundraising drives.

“This structure is a symbol of unity and faith,” he said.

The late Hon. Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal, former Woman MP for Dokolo, was also recognized for her contribution of 50 bags of cement toward the building before her passing.

Equally, Opito and his parents: David Egwel and Hellen Egwel also made a donation of 118 iron sheets including the windows and doors to facilitate the completion of the house.

During the celebration, Janet Nina, wife of Bishop Nina, issued a passionate appeal to parents on youth morality.

“Young girls are exposing themselves through indecent dressing. Parents must take up their roles as the first moral educators with love and discipline,” she said.

She also emphasized the equal importance of raising both boys and girls with dignity and faith.

Meanwhile, Opito has launched at least two initiatives in Oyam South to improve community access to clean water and generate wealth through cocoa and pine farming.