Kaberamaido county MP Urges Leaders to Unite and Prioritize Poverty Eradication in Teso.
By Peterson Hiirya.
Soroti — Edakasi Alfred Elalu-Olale, the Member of Parliament for Kaberamaido County, has called on leaders in the Teso sub-region to unite and prioritize the fight against poverty as the main strategy for driving development in the region.
Edakasi made the remarks during a breakfast meeting of elected Members of Parliament and LC5 chairpersons held at Soroti Hotel. The engagement was convened by Paul Sande Emolot together with the Iteso Cultural Union to formulate strategic priorities for the development of Teso.
The meeting brought together newly elected legislators, district leaders, cultural leaders, and religious representatives to begin discussions on a common development agenda for the sub-region.
Edakasi described the engagement as important, particularly for new legislators. “This meeting organized by His Highness Papa Emorimor was very important for new legislators. For me, it is my first time attending such a meeting,” he said.
He noted that districts such as Kaberamaido District and Kalaki District are part of the Teso sub-region, which he referred to as “Greater Kaberamaido.”
According to the legislator, presentations made during the meeting highlighted poverty as the biggest challenge facing the region. He said addressing poverty would improve access to health care, education, and economic opportunities for communities.
“Our main efforts in the next five years should focus on fighting poverty in Teso,” Edakasi said.
He emphasized that the region has significant resources including land, water, good weather, and minerals that can support economic growth if properly utilized.
Edakasi cited the untapped potential of Lake Kyoga, noting that fish cage farming could be introduced to boost incomes for communities living near the lake. He also called for investment in irrigation to move farmers away from rain-fed agriculture.
The MP further stressed the importance of agro-processing to add value to agricultural products, referencing efforts by Teso Fruit Growers Cooperative Union.
He urged leaders to maintain unity and continue engaging through forums led by the cultural institution to advance the region’s development agenda.
