Obalim pledges cash support for mothers delivering in health facilities

Lamwo | Aspiring Member of Parliament for Palabek County, Odongkara Geoffrey Obalim, has announced a plan to provide 30,000 shillings to every mother who delivers from any health facility within the constituency.

The pledge, revealed during his ongoing campaign meetings in Palabek, has sparked wide discussion among community members and local leaders, many of whom see it as a timely intervention to improve maternal health and strengthen household livelihoods.

Obalim explained that the financial package is meant to support mothers immediately after childbirth, especially those who struggle to afford basic needs in the first weeks of caring for a newborn.

He noted that the money could serve as startup capital for small income-generating activities such as selling vegetables, fruits, tomatoes, or other local produce.

“This support will enable mothers to start simple businesses that can bring daily income to sustain their families,” Obalim said. “Many mothers want to do something that helps them feed and support their children, but they lack even the smallest capital. This pledge is meant to give them dignity and an opportunity to grow.”

He added that the initiative which will take effect in December this year would also encourage more women to deliver in health facilities instead of at home, reducing risks associated with unsafe delivery practices.

“When mothers know that they will receive not only good healthcare but also a small financial boost, they will be motivated to seek skilled birth attendants,” he said.

Otto Kenneth, the LC2 of Lamwo Parish in palabek Kal Sub County Lamwo district has welcomed the pledge, calling it a step towards addressing long-standing challenges faced by mothers in the area.

Grace Lamunu, a private drug shop operator in Palabek Kal Town Council, said the proposal could significantly increase the number of facility-based deliveries.

“Many mothers still deliver at home due to lack of transport or support,” Lamunu explained. “If this initiative is implemented, we expect more women to choose health facilities. It will reduce maternal deaths and complications because trained personnel will be on hand to help.”

Patrick Okwera, resident of Guru-Guru Cell in Kal B wards Palabek Kal Town Council, described the initiative as one that directly touches the lives of ordinary people.

“Our community has many young mothers who are financially vulnerable,” Okwera said. “When a leader comes with a plan that gives them hope and practical assistance, it builds trust. This can help reduce poverty in households.”

Akumu Joyce, a mother of three from Palabek Ogili, has expressed excitement about the proposal and said such support would ease the financial pressure on new mothers. “Sometimes after giving birth, you sit home with no money to even buy soap,” she said.

“If we get shs30,000, we can start selling tomatoes or even buy seeds to plant vegetables. It may look small, but it can change a family.”

However, Kasozi Charles, an opinion leader, has urged that if elected, Obalim should complement the cash support with broader programs that strengthen the health system, such as equipping maternity wards, improving staff numbers, and ensuring steady medical supplies.

John Olara, a community elder, emphasized sustainability. “The pledge is good, but mothers also need quality healthcare,” he said. “We encourage the candidate to think about long-term investments in health infrastructure.”

Obalim assured the public that his broader plan for Palabek County includes health improvements, enhanced community services, and economic empowerment initiatives targeting women and youth.

He reaffirmed his commitment to championing programs that reduce poverty and uplift grassroots communities.

As campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 general elections, Obalim’s pledge has already positioned maternal welfare and economic empowerment at the forefront of political debate in Palabek County.

Whether the initiative becomes a reality will depend on voters as they assess candidates based on promises that directly impact their daily lives.

Odongkara pledge was revealed on Thursday November 20, 2025 during his campaign launch, comes as he competes with other candidates for the Palabek County seat, including Hilary Onek Obaloker of the NRM, and independents Ocen Felix Anthony and Data Stephen Freshood.