By Nathan Eyagu

SOROTI CITY  - Apolot Suzan Agnes, popularly known as Mwaura, a dedicated member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has officially declared her candidacy for the position of Woman Member of Parliament for Soroti City. In her announcement, Mwaura outlined her vision for the city's future, focusing on transforming healthcare and education systems to better serve the growing population.

During a press conference held today at Soroti Hotel, Agnes emphasized her strong connection to the city and her history of service as a district councillor for Asuret Sub-county in Soroti district. She expressed a deep understanding of Soroti's challenges and a commitment to being a voice for change.

"I have lived in Soroti, I understand its challenges, and I have listened to the concerns of the people. Now, I stand before you to declare my candidacy for Woman Member of Parliament, ready to serve and address these challenges head-on," said Agnes.

A key issue for Agnes is the state of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, which has struggled to meet the demands of a growing population. Agnes cited overcrowding, lack of space, and insufficient medical resources, especially in the maternity ward, as critical concerns that need urgent attention.

"As a mother and a woman, I cannot ignore the struggles of my fellow women in Soroti. When I visited Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, I saw the suffering, and I felt the urgency to act. The hospital is not operating at the standards expected of a regional referral center, despite being upgraded five years ago. Our hospital is overwhelmed, and many patients are forced to sleep on the floor due to lack of space," Agnes said.

In response, Agnes has called for immediate upgrades to the hospital, demanding that it be properly equipped with specialists and essential medical professionals. Additionally, she advocates for the expansion and upgrade of health centers across Soroti City, including Princess Diana Health Center, which she believes should be upgraded to a fully functioning hospital.

"Health centers like Princess Diana are small and not equipped to handle the growing needs of our population. It is time we demand that the government upgrade these centers into fully functioning hospitals to meet the healthcare needs of our people," she emphasized.

Education is another area where Agnes seeks significant reforms. With Soroti City rapidly growing, she highlighted the urgent need to address the shortage of teachers and educational resources, especially in the face of an increasing student population. Agnes pointed out that in many schools, teachers are forced to handle overcrowded classrooms and teach multiple subjects, undermining the quality of education.

"From my childhood, I have seen how important education is for the future of our children. Yet, we have schools in Soroti where one teacher is forced to teach multiple subjects to overcrowded classrooms. This is simply not acceptable. If we want to see our children succeed, we must ensure that schools have enough teachers, resources, and facilities to provide quality education," Agnes explained.

She also expressed concern over the challenges faced by Soroti University, which, despite being an important educational institution, lacks the necessary infrastructure and resources to adequately train teachers and healthcare professionals. Agnes believes that Soroti University should be better equipped to serve the community, offering programs that can help produce qualified professionals who can contribute to the city’s development.

"We cannot expect better performance from our students if we do not provide the right environment for them to learn. Soroti University should be expanded and equipped with the resources needed to train more teachers and healthcare workers who can contribute to the development of Soroti," she added.

Agnes's campaign is built on the belief that Soroti City has reached a pivotal moment in its growth. With the city now evolving from a small community into a bustling urban center, the need for improved healthcare, education, and infrastructure is more urgent than ever. Agnes’s vision is one where every resident, regardless of their background, has access to quality healthcare and education.

"I am here to represent you, the people of Soroti City. I am asking for your support as we work together to build a city that can provide better healthcare, education, and opportunities for all. Together, we can ensure that Soroti is a place where every child receives the education they deserve, and every citizen has access to the healthcare they need," Agnes concluded.

As the National Resistance Movement prepares for primaries in July, Agnes Mwaura is committed to securing the NRM flag and leading Soroti into a brighter future. Her candidacy is a call to action for all citizens to unite and ensure that Soroti's future is one of progress, prosperity, and equality for all its people.

Agnes joins a growing list of women expressing interest in the Soroti City Woman MP race under the NRM primaries, including Inachu Sarah and others who are expected to announce their candidacies in the coming weeks.