Serere County Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Omoding, has pledged to intensify lobbying efforts for additional government funding to rehabilitate roads damaged by persistent heavy rains, saying improved road infrastructure is critical to boosting trade, service delivery, and livelihoods in the rural areas of Serere District.
The legislator made the commitment yesterday while addressing residents during a campaign meeting in Atiira Sub-county, where he outlined his development record and future priorities, focusing on roads, water, sanitation, and community economic empowerment.
Omoding told voters that the ongoing rains have severely affected several community access roads, cutting off trading centres, schools, and health facilities, and making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets.
He said that as the area Member of Parliament, he has already engaged relevant authorities and will continue lobbying under the Uganda Road Fund and other government programs to ensure affected roads are urgently rehabilitated.
“Many of our roads have been washed away by floods, and some communities are almost isolated. I am committed to lobbying for additional funds for road maintenance and major rehabilitation so that our people can move, trade, and access services without difficulty,” Omoding said.
Among the priority roads he highlighted for major rehabilitation are the Aminit–Pachoto road and the Adaudi Trading Centre–Odapakol road, which he noted have been permanently cut off by water during the rainy seasons.
He added that his office will also push for the opening of new community access roads based on local demand, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.
Beyond roads, the MP emphasized his support for grassroots economic empowerment initiatives, particularly village savings and loan associations.
He said he has supported several village savings groups across the county and plans to build on the success of the Okabe village savings groups by transforming them into formal community village banks.
“Our people need access to affordable credit at the community level. By strengthening village savings groups and formalizing them into community village banks, we can create a sustainable economic engine for our rural population,” he said.
Omoding also highlighted his continued support for women and youth groups across Serere County, noting that these groups play a key role in household income generation and community development.
He pledged to expand skills training, financial inclusion, and support for income-generating activities targeting women and young people.
On community welfare, the MP said he has provided each sub-county with new tents to ease the burden on residents during public functions such as burials, weddings, and community meetings.
In addition, he has facilitated the provision of water bowser trucks to supply free, clean, and safe water during community functions, particularly in areas prone to water shortages.
Looking ahead, Omoding pledged to acquire an additional large truck to help transport tents, chairs, and other logistical items for community events, ensuring that residents are not forced to incur high costs when organizing communal activities.
Water and sanitation also featured prominently in his address.
He said he will continue supporting the repair of existing water sources while lobbying for the extension of piped water systems in rural areas.
His long-term vision, he noted, is to have every parish connected to a gravity flow water system to guarantee reliable access to safe water.
To address water shortages during large gatherings, the MP promised to add another water bowser to supplement borehole water during community functions.
He also committed to providing alternative sanitation interventions in landing sites and emerging trading centres, where poor sanitation remains a public health concern.
Residents of Atiira Sub-county welcomed the pledges, with several community leaders saying improved roads, water access, and support for savings groups would significantly improve living conditions and economic activity in the area.
Omoding says his focus remains on practical solutions that directly respond to the needs of the people of Serere County, stressing that effective representation means turning community priorities into tangible development outcomes.
About Author
