The Woman Member of Parliament for Serere District, Hon. Esther Lucy Acom, has renewed her call on Government to honour long-standing development commitments to the district, saying the current parliamentary term should be remembered for delivering tangible results rather than making fresh promises.
 

Speaking in an exclusive telephone interview with this publication, Acom said she recently raised the matter during a meeting of the Committee on Government Assurances, where she urged the responsible authorities to ensure that commitments made to the people of Serere are implemented without further delay.

According to the legislator, the residents of Serere have waited patiently for several key projects that have repeatedly featured in Government commitments, and the time has come for implementation.

“We had a meeting on Government assurances, and my message was clear. The people of Serere should be assured that everything Government has promised us will be implemented,” Acom said.

She explained that her submission to the committee focused on the importance of restoring public confidence in Government by ensuring that promises translate into visible development on the ground.

Acom said she reminded the committee leadership that the current parliamentary term should mark a shift from repeated commitments to practical delivery of projects that directly improve people’s livelihoods.

“I told the chairperson of the committee that if this kisanja is about no more sleep, then it must also be about no more promises,” she said.

Among the major priorities the MP is advocating for is the elevation of Serere Health Centre IV to a fully-fledged district hospital. She argued that the facility has long served a growing population whose healthcare needs have expanded beyond the capacity of a Health Centre IV.

According to Acom, upgrading the facility would bring specialized medical services closer to residents, reduce referrals to distant hospitals, and lower the financial burden families face when travelling for treatment.

“I am putting my energy behind the elevation of Serere Health Centre IV to a district hospital. This will ease our people from the heavy financial burden of travelling long distances for specialized care, and it speaks directly to the President’s call for citizens to achieve wealth,” she said.

The legislator noted that improved healthcare is not only a social service but also an economic investment, as healthy communities are better able to participate in productive activities.

Acom also renewed her appeal for Government to prioritize the construction of the Kumi–Kagwara road, describing it as one of the most strategic transport links in the Teso sub-region.

She said the road plays a critical role in connecting farmers, traders and fishing communities to markets, and that its improvement would stimulate trade, reduce transport costs and strengthen the local economy.

“The Kumi–Kagwara road must be worked on as promised. It is a vital economic corridor that supports production and trade, serving our farmers, traders and fishing communities,” she said.

Beyond infrastructure and healthcare, Acom expressed concern about the limited opportunities available to young people in the district. She called for the establishment of a Government technical school in Serere or, alternatively, the upgrading of Olio Community Polytechnic into a fully-fledged Government technical institution.

According to the MP, expanding access to technical and vocational education would equip young people with practical skills required for employment, self-reliance and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to household incomes and economic transformation.

“Our youth need practical skills to compete and create wealth for themselves,” she said.

She observed that technical education has become increasingly important in supporting Government’s industrialization agenda and ensuring that young Ugandans are prepared for opportunities in the labor market.

Acom reaffirmed her commitment to engaging the relevant ministries, departments and Government agencies to ensure the promised projects are implemented. She stressed that the people of Serere are looking beyond political statements and expect visible progress in the delivery of essential services and infrastructure.

She said her role as the district’s representative in Parliament is to continue advocating for the needs of her constituents until the commitments made to Serere are fulfilled.

As discussions on Government assurances continue, residents will be watching closely to see whether the commitments on healthcare, roads and technical education move from policy discussions into concrete action. For many in Serere, the successful implementation of these projects would not only improve service delivery but also create new opportunities for economic growth and improved livelihoods across the district.