Unopposed; Moses Okia Attan. Photo/Emmanuel Okiria
Hon. Attan Moses Okia, the unopposed Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flagbearer for Soroti City East MP seat, has raised concerns over the continued silence of Teso region leaders, which he says has left the area grappling with poverty, poor health infrastructure, dilapidated roads, and limited access to quality education.
Addressing the media at Sanctuary Restaurant in Soroti, Attan criticized Teso leaders for prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of their people.
“Our leaders have chosen to feed their own stomachs instead of speaking for the struggling communities. Teso continues to suffer in silence,” he said.
A seasoned politician who first joined the political arena in 2011, Attan reaffirmed his commitment to the transformation of Teso through transparency, accountability, and people centered leadership.
“I am ready to represent the aspirations and views of the people in Parliament. Unlike others, I have never remained silent,” he said.
Reflecting on his earlier term in Parliament before the by-election, Attan highlighted his efforts during the COVID-19 period, including lobbying for a new ICU unit and a CT scan machine at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
“These achievements were a result of my relentless engagement with government and pushing their response based on my written reports,” he noted.
Attan condemned the tendency of some leaders to suppress his voice in Parliament for fear that raising genuine issues would antagonize the ruling party.
“Other regions speak up and get development. We must do the same. Silence is costing Teso dearly,” he stressed.
He expressed concern over the lack of a government-aided secondary school in Awoja, forcing students to travel long distances to schools like Soroti SS.
He blamed divisive politics for the stalled construction of Opuyo Seed School, urging leaders to unite and advocate for Teso.
Citing findings from the 2024 National Housing and Population Census (NHPC), Attan decried the alarming poverty levels in Teso, identifying the region as the poorest in Uganda.
He noted that only 23% of students who qualify to attend secondary school are enrolled, leaving 77% out of the system
“In health, it’s even worse 71% of our people go to private hospitals because public facilities are in deplorable condition,” he lamented.
The FDC flagbearer also emphasized the need to revamp agriculture, improve employment opportunities, and advocate for fair budgetary allocations to Soroti City, which he described as the heartbeat of mother Teso.
“Gulu is developing rapidly because of collective leadership. Soroti can compete if we work together,” he said.
Attan urged all leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to unite and stop the culture of pulling each other down.
“It is shameful that our MPs cannot sit in one room to discuss issues affecting Teso. We must drop political egos and speak with one voice for the good of our people.
He further encouraged voters to hold their leaders accountable.
“Don’t be swayed by handouts during elections. Demand performance and transparency throughout the term,” he advised, adding that transactional politics has left Teso neglected and in dire need of active representation.
Attan also called for government action on the long-standing issue of cattle compensation promised in President Museveni’s 1996 manifesto.
“For 30 years, Teso has waited, and the psychological toll on our people is immense. We need justice now,” he urged.
In his closing remarks, Attan thanked the people of Teso for their continued support and pledged never to let them down.
“Your trust is my strength. I will not disappoint,” he promised.
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