Gogonyo County Member of Parliament aspirant Joseph Okoboi Opolot has expressed concern over the constituency’s struggle to benefit from key government programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Okoboi argues that despite President Yoweri Museveni’s commitment to the PDM initiative, Gogonyo has continued to face obstacles in accessing development funds and services.
The constituency is currently represented by National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP Derrick Orone, but Okoboi asserts that many presidential pledges aimed at uplifting the region remain unfulfilled.
He pointed to past commitments, such as the provision of grinding machines for women and youth empowerment in 2006, rural electrification initiatives, and the establishment of technical colleges for Gogonyo sub-county in 2016, none of which have been realized.
The Parish Development Model, launched by President Museveni, is intended to drive economic transformation by channeling funds directly to parishes.
However, Okoboi claims that Gogonyo has been left behind in the implementation process, with many residents struggling to access PDM funds meant to support agricultural and business development.
Data from Pallisa District indicates that while the district has received over UGX 8.4 billion for PDM across its 56 parishes, only 40% of targeted beneficiaries in Gogonyo County have been able to access their allocated funds.
This is significantly lower than the 65% average reported in other counties within Pallisa District.
According to Okoboi, bureaucratic delays, lack of transparency, and favoritism in fund disbursement have hindered many locals from benefiting from the initiative.
He has called for a comprehensive audit of PDM disbursements to ensure fair distribution and accountability.
Okoboi has also highlighted a series of unfulfilled government pledges that have stunted Gogonyo’s economic growth.
These include: Grinding machines for women and youth empowerment (2006), a project meant to enhance small-scale industries and self-employment opportunities remains undelivered.
He also said that large parts of Gogonyo remain without electricity, limiting industrialization and business expansion and the lack of vocational training institution that has left many youth without access to skill-based education, worsening unemployment levels in the region.
“The people of Gogonyo have waited for too long for these promises to be fulfilled,” Okoboi stated. “We cannot continue to lag behind while other regions progress.”
To promote economic development in Gogonyo, Okoboi has proposed the establishment of a modern dairy farm in the lake region, which he believes will create jobs and boost local milk production.
Additionally, he has called on the government to provide modern fishing gear and refrigeration facilities to support the local fishing industry.
The lack of proper fishing equipment and storage infrastructure has led to significant losses for fishermen, limiting the industry’s growth potential.
“Our people rely on fishing, yet they lack the necessary tools to compete in the market,” Okoboi said.
“By investing in modern fishing technology, we can transform this sector and improve the livelihoods of many families.”
Okoboi has also urged the government to upgrade Health Centre IIIs in the constituency to Health Centre IVs, ensuring better access to medical services.
“Many people travel long distances just to get treatment,” he said. “If we upgrade our health centers, we can save lives and provide essential healthcare to thousands of residents.”
He has called upon local leaders, community members, and government agencies to work together to ensure that development programs reach all intended beneficiaries.
“I urge the people of Gogonyo to demand accountability from their leaders,” he concluded. “We must push for fair access to PDM funds, improved infrastructure, and better healthcare services to build a prosperous future for our county.”
Gogonyo County MP aspirant Okoboi also joined the Muslim community in celebrating Eid, emphasizing unity, faith, and development during the festivities.
Okoboi congratulated the Muslim faithful for completing the holy month of Ramadan, acknowledging their dedication to fasting, prayer, and charity.
He urged residents to embrace the values of peace, compassion, and togetherness that Eid represents, calling on the community to work hand in hand for the progress of Gogonyo County.
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In fact the Hon. to be is right b’se Pallisa district is a spoiled district in service delivery