By James Alomu 

A section of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Soroti City has rallied behind Isaac Orego, a parliamentary aspirant for Soroti City East Division under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, urging him to be their voice and champion their interests if elected.

During a consultative meeting held in the division, PwDs from various wards of Madera, Otatai, Aloet, Opuyo, Kichinjaji, Kengere, and Acetgwen expressed dissatisfaction with the current leadership, citing persistent marginalization in access to government programs and services.

Esenu Abraham, the Aloet Ward Chairperson for PwDs, criticized the unequal distribution of the government's Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities.

“Whenever the government rolls out a program, only a few wards benefit. This fund is meant for all of us, but the top leaders play with our minds. We need a representative who will truly fight for us,” Esenu stated.

Olile John Joseph, the PwDs representative in Kamswali and a Local Council II leader, decried discrimination in employment opportunities. He alleged that PwDs who applied for jobs in Soroti City were either ignored or asked for bribes. “It is complicated for us to get employment. Even with a PwD's representative on the Soroti City Service Commission, when opportunities arise, we are often sidelined,” Olile lamented.

In response, Isaac Orego acknowledged the frustrations of the community and pledged to make the fight against corruption and discrimination central to his campaign. “There is rampant corruption in Soroti City. Many qualified people are denied jobs unless they pay bribes. This must end,” Orego said.

He emphasized his commitment to promoting vocational skills among youth, including those with disabilities, to reduce household poverty. “We have introduced practical skills like hairdressing in institutions such as St. Pius Vocational Training Institute. My goal is to empower our youth to earn a living regardless of the corruption they face in the formal sectors,” he added.

Orego vowed to advocate for equitable service delivery and ensure that all residents, including PwDs, benefit from government initiatives without segregation. He called on the community to support him both in the NRM primaries and the general election.

“The people of Soroti deserve leaders who will work for them. If elected, I will ensure that everyone gets their fair share of services and opportunities,” he concluded