The National Resistance Movement (NRM) aspirants in Soroti City East have held a consultative meeting with Local Council (LC) leaders to strategize on ensuring the party’s victory and fostering inclusive development.
The meeting, held at Zion Events Gardens in Soroti City, brought together LC1 and LC2 chairpersons from various wards and political affiliations.
It was organized by key NRM aspirants including Isaac Orego, NRM flag bearer for Soroti City East MP seat; Esudu Francis, NRM flag bearer for Soroti City Mayor; Abdul Latif, NRM Division East Mayoral flag bearer; and Amongin Hellen, Woman City Councilor for Soroti City A.
Addressing the gathering, MP aspirant Isaac Orego applauded LC leaders for their service to the community, pledging to prioritize their welfare if elected.
“You are the foundation of our governance structure. I have heard your call for a bus, and I pledge to buy it once elected,” Orego stated.
He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between leaders and local communities, saying, “LCs know what is happening on the ground. They face the people’s challenges daily. We must involve them in city planning and decision-making to deliver meaningful development.”
Orego also promised to advocate for an increase in LC salaries on the floor of Parliament and to lobby for financial support towards the Soroti City LCs SACCO to enhance their economic empowerment.
He urged LC leaders to focus on unity and development rather than partisan divisions during the political season. “Let us leave political fights aside and work for our people,” he said.
Esudu Francis City Mayor Aspirant commended the LC leaders for forming and registering their SACCOs.
He described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and understand the challenges affecting the grassroots.
“LCs are the first pioneers of development. Ignoring them only slows progress,” Esudu said.
He emphasized that the engagement aimed to build strong working relationships between leaders and communities, and to find strategies to address issues such as youth unemployment and local crime, particularly the rise of groups like Owok Wok.
Soroti Division East Mayoral aspirant Abdul Latif proposed that such LC consultative meetings be institutionalized and held annually every 18th October.
He highlighted concerns over low revenue collection in the city, which he attributed to corruption and poor coordination between city authorities and LC leaders.
“If we partner with LCs, we can increase Soroti’s annual revenue from UGX 6 billion to UGX 10 billion,” he said.
Latif also called for better engagement in property tax collection and development planning, stressing that the next administration must involve citizens in a three-year development plan for effective growth.
Amongin Hellen, Woman City Councilor for Soroti City A, thanked the LC leaders for their commitment despite low pay.
She urged them to mobilize residents to vote in all categories of elections, not just for the presidency.
“Many people only vote for the president and ignore local leaders. Yet it’s the local leaders who stay with them daily,” she remarked.
Amongin pledged to lobby for increased LC salaries and reminded the aspirants to always support the LC structures if elected.
Opio John Emmanuel, the Soroti City LC chairperson and independent aspirant for Soroti City Mayor, appreciated the efforts of LC leaders, emphasizing neutrality, accountability, and transparency in governance.
He reiterated their long-standing request to meet President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to present their grievances directly.
LC leaders raised several concerns, including poor road networks, limited access to power and water, and lack of city equipment for infrastructure works.
Soroti City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) John Michael Okurut also graced the event, thanking LC leaders for their dedication.
He confirmed that he had already written to the President’s Office requesting a meeting between the LCs and the Head of State.
“I am waiting for confirmation from the President’s Office. The meeting is expected to take place after the November 3rd presidential campaign rally in Teso,” Okurut revealed.
He assured LC leaders of improved coordination with security agencies to curb local crime and announced the deployment of 50 UPDF soldiers to help eliminate the Owok Wok gangs in Soroti.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from all leaders to engage LC structures more actively, promote transparency, and prioritize service delivery in key sectors such as education, health, water, and infrastructure.
Participants agreed that continued collaboration between city leadership and grassroots structures would play a vital role in transforming Soroti City into a model urban center comparable to Mbale and Gulu
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