Dr Samuel Opio Acuti, Member of Parliament for Kole North, has established seven vocational training centres across his constituency over the past four years.
These centres have significantly impacted youth-skills development not only in Kole but across the Lango sub-region.
The initiative forms part of the MP’s broader achievements valued at shs15.3 billion during his membership in the 11th Parliament.
Following his recent nomination for the 2026 general elections, the MP presented his development report card to constituents in Aboke, Alito, and Okwerodot sub-counties, where he was honoured as the area’s best-performing legislator.
The vocational centres were established to support children from low-income families by offering free skills training. To date, 803 youth from Alito, Aboke, Okwerodot, and two town councils have benefited from the program.
Dr Opio, originally elected as an independent MP in May 2021, currently holds several leadership roles: Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Ugandan Representative to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Chairperson of the Lango Cultural Institution Health Committee, Secretary General of the Lango Parliamentary Group
The training centres offer free courses in building construction, tailoring, carpentry hairdressing; motorcycle mechanics, and concrete practice (BCP).
In a significant achievement, all 448 students who sat for the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) examinations on December 6, 2023, graduated and received their certificates.
Education Sector Investment
Of the shs266 million, shs100 million went to skills training programs,shs120 million for the construction of twin staff houses at Alito Primary School, shs21 million for 462 iron sheets for Apedi and Alito Primary Schools, secured from the Office of the Prime Minister
Stella Adong, 23, a former child mother from Aboke town council whose education ended in Primary Six, said: “After two years of tailoring training, I now earn shs10,000 daily, which helps me pay school fees for my child. Dr Opio is a true leader who values his people.”
Hellen Akite, 53, a single mother from Okwerodot sub-county, expressed gratitude: “My daughter passed her PLE but couldn’t continue her education. Thanks to MP Opio’s free skills training, she now has a future. I urge other candidates to withdraw and let Dr Opio continue his work.”
Adonyo Martin, 20, from Alito sub-county, shared: “After six months of motorcycle repair training, I now support my parents and my own family. I only reached Primary Five, but I have valuable mechanical skills. Dr Opio was sent by God to serve our people.”
Dr Opio has raised critical issues in Parliament, including calls for government intervention in high school fees, and follow-up on compensation for the Aculbanya Secondary School bus seized during the LRA insurgency.
These achievements were realised through government lobbying, personal philanthropy, and partnerships with private entities and individuals.
Now the NRM flag bearer for Kole North, Dr Opio faces two nominated opponents in the 2026 elections:
Okello Sam Bilck UPC and Judith Alyek, outgoing Kole District Woman MP and Lango Parliamentary Group Chairperson.
On August 17, 2025, Alyek lost the NRM party primary elections to Aceng Sandra to hold the flag for reelection as the district woman MP.
Alyek has been in Parliament since 2016.
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