Growing concerns over underfunding in Uganda’s critical social sectors dominated village-to-village campaign meetings in Mukura Sub County, where voters called on government to increase budget allocations for education and health.
The calls were made during rallies addressed by Ngora District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Stella Apolot Isodo, who is seeking re-election in 2026.
Some residents, including members of the Teso War Claimants’ Association, also used the platform to commend the legislator for her efforts in advocating for long-awaited cattle compensation for Teso sub-region.
Speaking during a rally in Adokar Parish, John Kokas Eciru, a member of the Teso War Claimants Association, praised MP Isodo for “fighting tirelessly for the needs of the war claimants and constantly reminding government of the unsettled compensation.”
Eciru’s remarks were echoed by Etiang Micheal of Adokar Parish, who shifted attention to the deteriorating state of the country’s education sector.
He asked the MP to increase pressure on government to improve the welfare of teachers, noting that poor pay and delayed promotions have crippled morale in many schools.
“Teachers in Uganda continue to work under very tough conditions. Government must re-examine their salaries and invest more in the sector,” Etiang said.
According to the 2024/2025 National Budget, Uganda allocated UGX 3.4 trillion to the education sector, representing a decline from the previous year and accounting for only 9.2% of the national budget, far below the recommended 15–20% by UNESCO.
This underfunding has contributed to multiple labour disputes.
In the beginning of Third Term, teachers under UNATU staged nationwide strikes demanding salary harmonisation, especially between science and arts teachers.
Although government increased salaries for science teachers, arts teachers were left behind, prompting further unrest and widening income disparities within the profession.
Etiang argued that unless Parliament intervenes, “the education system will continue deteriorating, affecting rural districts like Ngora the most.”
Several residents also appealed to their MP to advocate for increased health sector funding.
Uganda’s health sector in the current budget stands at UGX 2.9 trillion, representing just 6.4% of the national budget, far below the Abuja Declaration’s 15% target.
The consequences of underfunding are already visible in rural health centres, many of which face chronic shortages of drugs, understaffing, and inadequate infrastructure.
“We need an increase in the health budget. Our health centres are struggling,” said Arengan Micheal, who also reminded fellow citizens to ensure peaceful elections as the 2026 polls approach.
Residents of Orapada Village in Madoch Parish, Mukura Sub County, also raised concerns about the growing idleness among youth.
Kulume Grace asked the MP to support the establishment of a government technical school on the available Parish land.
“We have land. If a technical institute is established here, our youths will gain skills and become more productive,” Kulume said, adding that skills training remains one of the key drivers of employment in rural settings.
In her address, Hon. Stella Apolot Isodo urged the people of Ngora to “continue demanding for cattle compensation,” saying that the government must be reminded of its unfulfilled pledges to restore livelihoods destroyed by past insurgencies and cattle rustling.
“Cattle restocking is still a core priority,” Isodo told the crowds. “If weaker leaders are elected, they will not have the stamina to push government to honor its commitments. Teso needs strong voices in Parliament.”
She emphasized that compensation remains one of the most pressing issues for families affected by the loss of livestock, which has hindered economic recovery and food security in the region.
During the campaign tour, Isodo listed several achievements made during her tenure.
She highlighted the delivery of an ambulance, a water bowser, support to savings groups across all parishes, and her key role in facilitating the establishment of six seed secondary schools in sub-counties that previously lacked government-aided secondary education.
She reiterated her commitment to strengthening women and youth groups, expanding ongoing projects, and lobbying for more government interventions to lift households out of poverty.
“My leadership will continue focusing on reminding government of the pledges made to Ngora. We cannot afford to let these issues be forgotten,” she added.
Hon. Isodo also urged voters to participate in peaceful elections and avoid divisive politics based on party colours or religion.
“Ngora needs leaders who are accountable, not leaders chosen based on party labels or religious affiliations,” she said. “Voting along sectarian lines has contributed to poor governance. Let us choose leaders who can deliver.”
Her message was reinforced by Arengan Micheal and other residents, who called on the electorate to maintain peace throughout the campaign and voting period.
As Ngora heads into the 2026 elections, the voices of residents reflect the region’s priorities: improved education, better healthcare, youth empowerment, cattle compensation, and accountable leadership. With MP Isodo promising continuity and stronger advocacy, the coming months will determine whether Ngora’s demands translate into tangible policy shifts at the national level.
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