By James Alomu
Simon Okello, a prominent parliamentary aspirant for Soroti City East, has unveiled his bold agenda for transforming the region, promising to bring real change through grassroots advocacy, anti-corruption measures, and youth empowerment. Okello, who is running under the Democratic Party (DP), emphasized his 20 years of experience working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as a strong foundation for his candidacy.
In a recent exclusive interview, Okello outlined his vision for Soroti City East, focusing on tackling the region’s most pressing issues. He highlighted his extensive experience with leading NGOs such as World Vision, Children’s HopeChest, and Compassion International, where he spent two decades working directly with communities at the grassroots level. "I understand the challenges people face because I have walked with them," Okello said. "My experiences on the ground have given me the tools and insights needed to advocate effectively for the people of Soroti City East."
Okello’s commitment to bringing change to Soroti stems from his deep understanding of local challenges that, according to him, have often been overlooked by policymakers. “Over the years, I’ve interacted closely with communities, and it is clear that their concerns haven’t been heard by decision-makers. If given the opportunity to serve as your representative, I will ensure these voices are amplified in Parliament,” Okello promised.
At the heart of Okello's transformative agenda is a focus on eradicating corruption, which he sees as a barrier to meaningful progress. “Corruption has been one of the major impediments to development in Uganda. If elected, I will take a firm stance against corruption by exposing corrupt practices and ensuring that accountability is a top priority in my leadership,” Okello declared. His anti-corruption stance aims to improve transparency within both local and national government, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to those who need them the most.
A central aspect of Okello’s platform is the creation of opportunities for Soroti’s youth. Okello, who has long advocated for youth empowerment through his work with NGOs, aims to harness the resources and networks he has built over the years to address unemployment in the region. “Youth unemployment is a critical issue. I intend to collaborate with local and international NGOs to create programs that will provide the necessary skills and training for young people, helping them to become self-sufficient and productive members of society,” he said.
In addition to tackling youth unemployment, Okello’s manifesto includes key proposals for infrastructural development, healthcare improvement, and educational reform. He promised to prioritize the construction of better roads, access to clean water, and healthcare facilities in Soroti City East. “Infrastructure is the backbone of any community’s growth. I will advocate for improved roads, water supply systems, and healthcare services, ensuring that Soroti City East is well-equipped to meet the needs of its residents,” Okello explained.
Education is another pillar of Okello’s agenda. He committed to supporting scholarship programs to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to quality education. “Education is the key to unlocking opportunities. I will work to increase access to scholarships and improve the quality of education in our schools,” he added.
Okello also pledged to support local talent development, encouraging the growth of both artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors. He highlighted that nurturing talent would contribute to economic growth and create opportunities for young people to thrive.
As the race for the Soroti City East parliamentary seat intensifies, Okello’s campaign is gaining momentum, particularly among voters who are eager for leadership that prioritizes their needs. His promise to bring grassroots leadership, combat corruption, and provide opportunities for the youth resonates with many in the region who feel neglected by the current political landscape.
With a wealth of experience and a clear plan for development, Simon Okello’s candidacy offers a compelling vision for Soroti City East. His focus on transparency, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development positions him as a serious contender for the seat. As the election approaches, Soroti residents will be closely watching how Okello’s promises translate into action and whether he can deliver the transformation he envisions for the city.
Have an Advert or an Article you want us to publish? Email: tesovibez19@gmail.com or Whatsapp 0772326362