By Kaleb Yiiki

Arua

The Woman Member of Parliament for Arua City has been hailed for her selfless service to the people of Arua City and beyond as she donated 470 Sewing Machines to support women in Arua City. The Sewing Machines costing about 424 Million Ugandan shillings; is the fulfillment of the pledges she made while canvassing for votes.

The Youth Member of Parliament central Region of Buganda Hon. Agnes Kirabo, who attended the Distribution Launch at the Green Light Stadium in Onduparaka attests of Hon. Maureen Osoru in that she has electorates at heart and goes extra mile praying for each one of them and asking for God’s Guidance and wisdom to lead the electorates to prosperity. “One time we were praying together with Maureen. I was praying for myself and my personal needs whereas for Maureen was praying for you people that God should help and enlarge your Territories. And that is what inspired me about her and this challenged me to follow her here in Arua to support her.” She testified.

Meanwhile, Hon. Joan Achop Alobo, the Woman MP for Soroti City on National Unity Platform ticket affirmed that Hon. Maureen Osoru is so passionate about women empowerment and equality and that after the Buvuma Incident, women in Parliament organized a demonstration to show solidarity for those women who were beaten and Maureen was among the Lead demonstrators. “As women, we fought the Police and that nonsense has stopped.” She acclaimed.

However, Arua City Political leaders used the occassion to demand for the creation of more Divisions in the City from Government. Arua City being one of the newest cities established by Parliament of Uganda on 28th April 2020 as a Regional City for West Nile sub region became operational on 1st July 2020, with only two divisions of Arua central and Ayivu. His Worship the Mayor Arua City, Hon. Wadri Sam Nyakua made this appeal for more divisions to the Minister of State for Urban Development who represented the Speaker of parliament as the Chief Guest during the Launch.

In his request he urged the State Minister to inform government that the People of Arua City and indeed the people of Ayivu require three more City Divisions to be created; because Ayivu had 7 Sub counties which were collapsed to form one Division. But the purpose of decentralization is to take services closer to the People therefore, if left like this; Arua City Council will be working against the principles of decentralization.  “Also kindly remind his Excellency that his votes are in Ayivu and if he wants them to multiply continuously come 2026 and beyond, he should listen to the cry of the people of Ayivu.” He requested.     
Following the recent Demand by some Elders of Ayivu in Arua City to demand for Ayivu District, Hon. Denis Lee Oguzu, and the Member of Parliament for Maracha West Constituency who also attended the Launch advised the Leaders in Arua City to speak the same language and demand for a common thing. He continued to advise the Leaders of Arua city to desist from presenting divergent views since it will not lead them to achieving much. He urged Hon. Maureen Osoru to unite the leaders to demand for a common thing as the Guest of honor will present it to government, and pledged to support the ideas just as they supported the city Creation in Parliament. “Some of you are demanding for a district status while others are demanding for a Division status. What do you people really want? You need to unite and speak the same language and demand for the same thing.” He Recommended.


Hon. Maureen Osoru Addressing the Guests at the Launch

Hon. Osoru Maureen, the Woman Member of Parliament for Arua City cautioned Arua City Leaders not to politicize the sewing Machine Project at implementation stages. She says being aware that Arua City has 470 Cells and because of security issues, these Sewing machines shall be placed at the Ward Centers. According to the Number of Cells in each Ward, as this will make the machines to be nearer for access. She continues to guide that the Training shall be properly agreed upon by Local Leaders. “I have done my part of the procurement of the sewing machines and I have handed over the Management to you the Local Leaders for I went out to hunt and have brought to you my electorates the meat from my game to share”. She noted.  

Hon. Obiga Mario Kania, the Minister of State for Urban Development who represented the Speaker of parliament during the Launch of the Sewing Machines at Green Light Stadium in Onduparaka as the Chief Guest says Maureen Osoru’s Contribution will help to add value to what the NRM government preaches about prosperity. While reacting to the demand by the Leaders for more Division status, the State Minster says that; “I know that, if the MPs do not go for burials or go to pray with the electorates in Churches or mosques it become a problem for them. Yes though they should support their electorates but it should be considered as helping hand since the MPs cannot solve all your Problems for you need to put in your own efforts.” 

Arua City Stretches from the borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo on the west and is 75km from South Sudan to the North. The strategic location of Arua City at the confluence of a trade route between Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo facilitates cross border trade, labor mobility and information flow. More so, over 70,933 people live in Arua City.

COVER PHOTO: Hon Obiga Mario Kania Handing over his contribution for Materials to Hon Maureen By Kaleb Yiiki