By KT Reporter
As the FDC presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, embarks on his second campaign trip to Soroti district, voters have expressed concern over the low prices for agricultural products.
They are calling on Nandala to establish vital links between Soroti farmers and international markets, a demand they believe is crucial to their economic survival.
They said that Teso is rich in a variety of crops, including cassava, which is essential for starch production, millet and sorghum for brewing beer, groundnuts, and livestock suitable for beef exports to countries such as Saudi Arabia.
During a welcoming event for Nandala, Nathan Ojepa, an NRM cadre and LC 1 chairperson of Ojom village, expressed the dire state of service delivery in Soroti.
He lamented the lack of adequate health services, stating, “We only have one health center II here in Ojom, and it has remained in a sorry state. Women are forced to deliver on the floor.”
Ojepa, although a member of the NRM, candidly stated that the government has failed to enhance service delivery and that a change is desperately needed. “If the people are to trust you, you must focus on improving services and elevating them from poverty,” he urged.
John Eriamu, a farmer from Ochuloi in Soroti district, echoed that Nandala’s manifesto reflects a readiness to serve the people of Teso and Uganda.
“If the people of Uganda trust him with their votes, we want him to ensure a connection between us farmers and international markets. I grow cassava, but it often goes to waste due to the absence of better market opportunities. We are calling for change and renewed hope,” Eriamu asserted.
Eriamu shared his struggles, revealing that he cultivates five acres of cassava but has been unable to invest further due to low market prices. “You can invest over five hundred thousand shillings, yet a kilogram of raw cassava sells for only 400 shillings. If the government had created effective solutions, there would be ready markets eagerly waiting for our produce,” he lamented. He urged Nandala to prioritize linking Teso to international markets as a crucial step to uplift the farmers.
Francis Eilu also voiced his frustrations, noting that the people of Teso excel at producing high-quality crops, both for cash and sustenance. However, the lack of market access remains a big challenge. “A kilogram of cassava is sold for just 400 shillings. If Nandala is elected, we hope he will remember the common people who have been overlooked,” he said.
Eilu further pointed out the inadequacies of the Ojom Health Center II, requesting Nandala to visit the facility and experience firsthand the lack of basic medical supplies. “Imagine selling our crops at such low prices only to use the proceeds to seek medical attention,” he lamented, emphasizing that the taxes they pay should be utilized to improve local services.
He pointed out that much of their produce ends up in Kenya, where traders take advantage of the farmers. “They buy a bag of oranges for just 60,000 shillings. With expenses for pesticides, harvesting, and utilities, we find ourselves in dire straits. We are exhausted and calling for change,” Eilu stated.
Emmanuel Epuria articulated a broader concern, emphasizing that the government has neglected the local farmers. “We need a government that opens both local and international markets to the community, which will foster development and alleviate the poverty levels among farmers,” he asserted.
He added that access to international markets would provide opportunities and enough funds for educating their children, as better prices for their goods would boost agriculture and introduce advanced technology to help local farmers improve their practices.
Patrick Amuriat Oboi, the FDC party president, assured the people that the FDC is committed to serving them effectively, unlike other parties that have been in power for decades while the populace continues to suffer in poverty.
He emphasized, “We want to assure you, the people of Soroti, that we are ready for change. I stepped down to allow Nandala to contest for president because I believe he is the man who will bring us the change we need. Trust us, and you will experience better service delivery.”
Nathan Nandala Mafabi responded by affirming his commitment to improving service delivery, as outlined in his manifesto. “I want to ensure that Teso becomes a better region to live in,” he declared.
He also addressed the historical neglect of the region, stating, “The most prized livestock comes from Teso, yet successive governments have allowed your cattle to diminish, keeping you in poverty. For forty years, they’ve promised change but have delivered nothing. They are merely seeking your votes.” Nandala stressed the urgent need to address the suffering of mothers and the alarming levels of poverty. “You cannot be sure of your next meal.
We will bring tractors to every sub-county to help farmers improve their harvests. We must revive cotton, which was once Teso’s main cash crop, and compensate the families for the cattle they lost,” he affirmed, promising a comprehensive approach to revitalize the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of the farmers in Teso.
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