Ngora County Member of Parliament Juliet Achayo Lodou has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to fighting poverty and improving the livelihoods of her constituents through various development projects and direct support initiatives.
From supporting savings groups and persons with disabilities to aiding in infrastructure development and providing relief assistance, her efforts have had a transformative impact on the lives of her constituents.
One of the key strategies MP Achayo has implemented to combat poverty is strengthening community savings groups.
Over the past years, she has supported over 250 savings groups across the county, providing financial assistance and about 180 groups have received livestock, including pigs and sheep. These efforts have enabled community members to engage in income-generating activities, improving their economic well-being.
In an interview today, Hon. Achayo reiterated her continued support for the people of Ngora, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against poverty.
“I am committed to ensuring that no one in our community is left behind. Poverty is a battle we must fight together, and I urge all residents to embrace government programs aimed at economic empowerment,” she said.
Achayo emphasized the importance of collective efforts in combating poverty, urging residents to unite and work together for sustainable development.
She has also provided financial support to 48 savings groups in Ngora Town Council.
“These savings groups are crucial in fostering financial independence and community resilience. By pooling resources, members can invest in small businesses and support one another in times of need,” Achayo explained.
“Poverty is a battle we must fight together. I am committed to ensuring that every household in Ngora sees an improvement in their standard of living. However, real change happens when communities come together, support each other, and make use of the resources available to them,” she stated.
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and MP Achayo has taken steps to improve water sources in Ngora. She boasts of having repaired over 100 boreholes in various villages, ensuring that residents have access to safe drinking water.
Residents are now benefiting from improved access to clean and safe drinking water, thanks to the efforts of MP Achayo.
Consistent repairs to boreholes and the rehabilitation of community wells have played a vital role in addressing water scarcity. This initiative continues to support public health and well-being in the region.
Additionally, she has supported road maintenance projects, including providing fuel for the maintenance of a 4.7-km road section along Ngora – Aciisa Road.
MP Achayo also told us during an interview that she has continuously extended support to burial groups and community welfare initiatives ever since she was elected, noting that this supports is aimed at ensuring that residents have dignified send-offs for their loved ones.
She noted that about 15 clans and burial associations have received saucepans and she has contributed to over 455 burials within and outside Ngora County. Last year, alone, she assisted in 444 burials.
She also helped repatriate the body of a young woman from Omaditok who passed away in Saudi Arabia and facilitated transport for mourners attending burials and other community functions.
To combat food insecurity, MP Achayo has distributed maize flour to vulnerable communities.
On April 14 and 15, 2023, she distributed five tons of maize to villages including Tilling Gawa, Omoo, Ojogol, Kodike Kapujan, Pokor, and Agurur.
On April 21, she provided 1.5 tons of maize to Moruirion, Katekwa, Okorom, and Kalengo.
She has also extended support to religious institutions, including: the construction of Katerega Church of Uganda, PRM Church construction, roofing of Kalina Catholic Church and Tilling Church of Uganda.
Recognizing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, MP Achayo to us that she has provided essential mobility aids.
In February 2023, she distributed 30 wheelchairs to PWDs across Ngora County. Additionally, she has supported 215 persons with disabilities with both tricycles and wheelchairs, enabling them to lead more independent lives.
She has supported over 60 football teams with footballs and volleyballs and provided football uniforms to seven clubs.
“Engaging the youth in sports not only keeps them active but also promotes unity and talent development,” she remarked.
MP Achayo’s initiatives align with the Ugandan government’s broader efforts to combat poverty.
The government has implemented programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which channels funds directly to the grassroots to support income-generating activities.
Additionally, the Emyooga program has provided financial support to various SACCOs, enabling communities to engage in small-scale enterprises.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the national poverty rate stands at approximately 20.3%, with rural areas experiencing higher levels of poverty compared to urban centers.
Achayo has now urged residents to actively participate in government programs aimed at economic transformation.
“The government has put in place various initiatives to uplift communities. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” she said.
She also called upon the people of Ngora to unite in the fight against poverty.
“Development is a collective effort. We must work together, support one another, and embrace government programs to build a prosperous future for Ngora,” she emphasized.
Hon. Achayo emphasized that sustainable development requires active participation from all residents.
“No leader can do this alone. I call upon everyone in Ngora to embrace hard work, take advantage of the support available, and work together to build a prosperous future. We must move from dependence to self-reliance,” she urged.
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