By KT Reporter
Herbert Edmund Ariko, Soroti City East MP and NRM Soroti District Chairperson, took center stage at a rally in Soroti City to remind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of long-standing campaign promises yet to be fulfilled. Ariko acknowledged the peace and economic empowerment Museveni’s government has brought to Teso but pressed the President on several critical pledges.
He cited a ferry promised during a campaign in Kamuda to ease transportation in Lale, Sangai, Kagwara, and Namasagale—a promise that remains unmet. “Years ago, while presiding over the National Youth Day celebrations at Soroti Core PTC, you promised to build a multipurpose hall at the institution, and to date, that promise has not been fulfilled,” Ariko said.
He also reminded Museveni of a memorial school in honor of the late Ateker Ejalu, which has yet to see progress. Ariko further raised concerns about poor road infrastructure in Teso, urging urgent attention to the routes connecting Ocokcann, Atira, and Serere, as well as the road from Soroti to Toroma leading to Katakwi. He stressed that these roads, though short, are vital for regional connectivity and economic growth.
David Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, also addressed the President, calling for guidance on establishing a first-class golf club in Soroti, a project he believes would attract investors. Echodu reminded Museveni of a previous promise to allocate land in Dakabela Sub-County for a first-class science university, which he said could create jobs and boost local development.
In response, Museveni highlighted the government’s achievements, particularly the restoration of peace in Soroti and the wider Teso region. “Let me ask you, do you sleep on the Tarmac road here that connects Mbale to Soroti to Lira? That road is very good. So do you sleep there?” he asked, with the crowd responding affirmatively. Museveni acknowledged ongoing challenges but emphasized progress in improving the district’s social and economic conditions. He noted that 21 of Soroti’s 69 parishes still lack government primary schools and promised to address these gaps.
On healthcare, he outlined plans to upgrade facilities, including elevating Atirir Health Center IV to a general hospital and improving other centers across the district’s 12 sub-counties. Concluding his address, Museveni reiterated the NRM’s focus on a politics of knowledge over propaganda, emphasizing that peace and development remain at the core of the party’s vision for Uganda.
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