By Nathan Eyagu 

SERERE DISTRICT - Philip Oucor, the NRM flag bearer for Pingire County, has launched a UGX 500 million community transformation drive aimed at revitalizing education, strengthening healthcare systems, and improving household livelihoods across the constituency.

The announcement was made at Agonyo Parish in Kidetok Town Council, where Oucor unveiled a series of high-impact initiatives designed to respond to the most pressing needs of residents.

These interventions include a free medical camp, a fully equipped mobile health clinic, the establishment of the Ateker Rural Bank, and infrastructural support for Agonyo Community Primary School.

Addressing the community, Oucor explained that the investment is the result of extensive consultations and field assessments conducted over several months. He noted that education remains one of the most affected sectors, with several parent-established schools—such as Akoroi, Okidi, and Obangi—operating under difficult conditions due to limited resources.

To help bridge the education gap, Oucor delivered iron sheets to complete the roofing of a classroom block at Agonyo Community Primary School. He also pledged to support other community schools through land expansion, structural improvements, and administrative assistance, noting that such partnerships complement government policy and enhance learning opportunities for children.

On livelihoods, Oucor expressed concern over rising poverty levels in Pingire despite national statistics showing a reduction. He highlighted the vulnerability of both fishing and farming households, many of whom struggle to meet basic needs.

Through the newly established Ateker Rural Bank, Oucor aims to organize residents into groups that can access financial services, business support, and skills training. The intervention is designed to supplement government poverty-alleviation programs such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Program.

Healthcare forms the third core pillar of Oucor’s UGX 500 million initiative. The free medical camp launched in Kidetok offers screening and treatment for major illnesses including HIV, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, and malaria. The mobile health clinic, equipped with oxygen support, blood storage facilities, and emergency medical tools, will traverse villages across Pingire to ensure communities receive on-the-spot medical care. Oucor further announced the distribution of 60 bicycles and first aid kits to Village Health Teams (VHTs) in Kidetok, aiming to boost community-based healthcare delivery and improve mobilization.

The initiative drew praise from several local leaders. Former political rival Omedo John Robert commended Oucor for addressing hidden health conditions that often go undiagnosed due to limited medical access. 

Kidetok LC3 flag bearer Opio Richard appreciated Oucor’s support to Agonyo Community Primary School, noting that some learners walk up to seven kilometers daily due to inadequate school infrastructure.

NRM Pingire chairperson Olinga Robert lauded Oucor for strengthening cohesion between district and national party structures, while district elderly representative Ilabu Maria Goreti said the mobile clinic would greatly support senior citizens who face challenges reaching distant health centers.

Oucor also emphasized that the UGX 500 million intervention is not politically motivated but a service-driven effort to improve living standards in Pingire. He reaffirmed his commitment to extending similar activities to all sub-counties in Pingire and Labor, ensuring that every household benefits from improved education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.