By James Alomu
SOROTI CITY — Political, technical and security leaders in Soroti City have resolved to put aside political differences and work together to address key service delivery and development challenges, in a renewed effort to improve the welfare of residents and accelerate the city's transformation.
The high-level meeting, held at the Soroti City Council Hall, brought together leaders from Soroti City East and West Divisions, Members of Parliament, Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), mayors, town clerks, technical officers, religious leaders, education stakeholders and security officials.
Speaking during the engagement, Soroti City East MP Attan Moses Okia described the meeting as a significant milestone, noting that leaders from different political backgrounds had demonstrated a collective commitment to prioritising the city's development agenda.
"We have agreed that collaboration is better than conflict. Whether elected or technical leaders, we all have the same responsibility of ensuring that services are delivered to our people," Okia said.
He explained that the discussions centred on assessing the city's current development status, identifying existing gaps and strengthening cooperation between political and technical leaders to improve service delivery.
Among the key concerns raised were poor local revenue collection, inadequate road infrastructure, challenges in the health and education sectors, rising insecurity and ineffective waste management.
Leaders observed that the city's local revenue performance has remained below expectations, limiting budget allocations and affecting the delivery of essential public services, including facilitation for local leaders.
Health was identified as the top priority, with participants emphasizing that a healthy population is fundamental to economic productivity and sustainable development. Improved education, road infrastructure and enhanced security were also highlighted as urgent priorities.
The meeting further expressed concern over increasing insecurity, particularly among unemployed youth, and called for interventions aimed at creating employment opportunities while strengthening community policing and law enforcement.
Participants also explored innovative waste management solutions, including plans to convert garbage into organic manure and other value-added products capable of generating non-tax revenue for the city.
As part of the resolutions, leaders agreed to hold quarterly coordination meetings and monthly engagements between Members of Parliament and city mayors to monitor implementation of agreed priorities.
Other resolutions included strengthening security at Soroti Main Market through improved surveillance systems, addressing staffing shortages in schools and health facilities, improving the management of the city dumping site, enforcing accountability among contractors with outstanding obligations, and enhancing oversight through regular internal audit reports.
The meeting also resolved to explore alternative sources of road construction equipment to ensure timely utilisation of road maintenance funds and to advocate for the operationalisation of relevant provisions under the Local Government Act to strengthen service delivery.
Leaders further pledged to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young people through partnerships with health organisations and targeted awareness campaigns.
Soroti City West MP David Calvin Echodu said improving sanitation and waste management would be critical in attracting investors and boosting the local economy.
"If we want investment, we must make Soroti one of the cleanest cities in Uganda. Investors and their families want to live and work in a clean and safe environment," Echodu said.
The meeting also discussed strategic development projects expected to enhance the city's economic prospects, including the proposed regional referral hospital, a flying school, road bypasses and industrial development initiatives.
The leaders concluded the engagement by reaffirming their commitment to prioritising development and quality service delivery over political rivalry, describing unity and collaboration as the foundation for transforming Soroti into a modern, clean and competitive city.
