Teso elders ask Museveni to fulfil his pledge of establishing irrigation schemes

SOROTI – The Elders’ Council in Teso Sub-region have asked President Museveni to fulfill his pledge of establishing irrigation schemes in the area to boost agricultural production.

The elder made the call while meeting with the Minister for Teso Affairs Dr. Kenneth Obote Ongalo at Timisha Hotel in Soroti City on Friday.

The elders claimed Museveni made the pledge of establishing irrigation schemes in the area while meeting them in 2019 but up to now this has never been fulfilled.

The elders in Teso Sub-region also said Museveni promised tractors for each district, Shs 50 million seed capital for the elders’ SACCOs in each district, 32-seater bus, tractors, and motorcycles for the chairpersons of elders in each district.

Teso Sub-region includes districts of Kalaki, Kabaeremaido, Soroti, Serere, Kapelebyong, Amuria, Kumi, Ngora, Bukedea, Katakwi, and Soroti City.

Responding to the elders’ queries, Minister Ongalo promised he would deliver their  message to Museveni but also urged them to focus on things that matter in developing their lives.

“Whenever you have the opportunity, please educate the people of Teso about unity,” Ongalo said.

According to Ongalo, challenges that the Teso elders face can be solved only if their council is used properly .

The minister while talking about environmental conservation urged people to consider planting natural trees since many of the species have been cut for charcoal burning and timber.

“Why don’t you come up with a plan to revive the planting of natural trees?” He asked.

Meanwhile, Manasseh Eyenyu, the coordinator Elders’ Council , emphasised that  irrigation  schemes and tractors can boost agricultural production in Teso Sub-region known for growing cassava, millet, groundnuts, maize, potatoes, rice and other crops, as well as keeping livestock.

“We can keep producing food throughout while using the irrigation schemes,” Egenyu said.

Alfred Okiria Aloka, the chairperson for the elderly in Amuria during the meeting with the minister reminded President Museveni to act on his pledges made to elderly of Teso Sub-region.

Elizabeth Anyait, treasurer, Elders Council in Amuria district also asked Museveni to fulfill his pledge of Shs 50mln for the elders’ SACCOs in Teso Sub-region.

Anyait said that SACCOs would help elders improve their livelihoods through saving and engaging in income generating activities.

She said through the SACCOs, they can borrow money and do commercial agriculture which will in return help in fighting poverty in Teso Sub-region region.

https://thecooperator.news/teso-professionals-launch-plan-to-fight-poverty/

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