By Nathan Eyagu 

Dakabela County — Local Council leaders in Dakabela County have raised strong concerns over poor service delivery, calling for a more vocal, present, and development-oriented Member of Parliament to address long-standing challenges affecting their communities.

The concerns were aired during a meeting held at Awidiayan Village in Katine Sub-county, where LC I and LC II leaders from Arapai Sub-county, Tubur Town Council, and Tubur Sub-county convened to engage Harriet Anyimo, one of the aspirants for the Dakabela County parliamentary seat.

During the engagement, the local council leaders presented a memorandum outlining key development gaps, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture, and general service delivery. They said the county continues to lag behind neighboring areas due to limited government interventions and weak political lobbying.

Among their demands was support for Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and the provision of tree seedlings to promote household incomes and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Several leaders expressed frustration with what they described as prolonged silence from current political leadership. Opiding Julius, one of the LC leaders, said the community has endured years of neglect.

“Dakabela has been tied in bondage for a long time. We have been on the edge on many issues as a community. This is the time to support leaders, not political parties,” he said.

Emaju Daudi, LC I Chairperson of Obule, emphasized the need for a leader who actively lobbies for services.

“We need a leader who speaks for the voters and brings services, not one who remains quiet and inactive,” he noted.

Local leaders also stressed the need for an MP who is physically present in the constituency and responsive to community needs.

Ecou Johnson, LC II Chairperson of Tubur Town Council, said Dakabela urgently requires an ambulance and an MP who regularly engages with the electorate rather than staying in Kampala.

Similarly, Oriokot Willy, LC II Chairperson of Achuna, urged residents to vote wisely, emphasizing the importance of electing leaders who can effectively lobby for government services.

Responding to the concerns, Harriet Anyimo pledged to work closely with grassroots leaders to transform Dakabela County if elected.

“Today you have leadership that wants to serve and transform Dakabela County,” Anyimo said, adding that the Ugandan Constitution allows women to contest from their place of birth, a provision she said empowers inclusive leadership.

She called for unity among leaders and revealed that she has already supported several community initiatives at a personal level. Anyimo further pledged to strengthen agriculture, support SACCOs for LC leaders, youth, and women, and collaborate closely with local councils to improve service delivery.

The leaders cited declining education performance, absence of visible development projects, and poor health services as major setbacks. They noted that while the LC V leadership has attempted to bridge some gaps, the area has lacked strong parliamentary advocacy.

Out of the six candidates contesting for the Dakabela County MP seat, several leaders expressed optimism about Harriet Anyimo’s leadership, pointing to her community engagement and personal contributions as signs of commitment.