As political campaigns gather pace in Soroti City East, independent candidate Rodney Akongel Mukula has donated medical supplies to health facilities in the area, reaffirming his commitment to improving service delivery and calling for more inclusive leadership.
Mukula handed over locally made syringes worth Shs3 million to several health centers, highlighting the severe shortages faced by public facilities and urging leaders to address service gaps without political bias.
Speaking during the handover, Mukula explained that the donation followed extensive consultations with health workers and community members to identify the most pressing needs.
“Service delivery is lacking, and I am only here to ensure that we provide for all people, regardless of background," Mukula said.
"Leadership must be inclusive. Today’s support is not a government effort—it’s simply a gesture of responsibility. We must offer solutions in whatever state and capacity we can."
He clarified that his donation was not a political stunt, but a call for practical leadership to address the dire state of local health services, where even essential supplies like syringes are often unavailable.
“There’s no yellow malaria, there’s no blue malaria—when you're sick, you're sick. Access to quality healthcare must be universal,” he stressed, while thanking Mahati Medical Supplies and other partners for their contributions.
Soroti City Health Officer Alfred Anyona welcomed the donation, noting the growing role of both government and political leaders in improving healthcare across the city.
“We thank such politicians for their continued support. These supplies will help boost services, and we are seeing the impact at both our public facilities and those run by faith-based organizations like the Church of Uganda,” Anyona said.
He praised local leaders and aspirants, including Mukula, for their visible efforts in supporting the health sector, saying such initiatives motivate health workers and supplement government efforts.
“As health workers, we now feel the reason behind this political support. It gives us encouragement when leaders show interest in the community’s well-being,” he added.
Mukula also extended his support to education by donating mock examination papers to Acet Gwen Primary School in Soroti City East. The school, which has no piped water or electricity, has struggled to prepare pupils for national exams under challenging conditions.
During his visit, Mukula viewed a wall showcasing the school’s performance since 2003, which underscored long-standing challenges.
Teachers shared concerns about pupils studying under poor conditions, exposed to rain and harsh sunshine.
“These children will sit for the same national exams and compete for the same jobs as their counterparts in Kampala, who are driven to school in cars," Mukula said.
"The system must be fair. If parents are already sacrificing to provide food and clothing, we shouldn’t burden them further with education costs."
He emphasized that both healthcare and education should be treated as basic rights, not privileges reserved for certain regions or social classes.
Mukula, who is contesting as an independent in the upcoming elections, urged fellow candidates and current leaders to put service delivery above political interests.
“Leadership is not about what we’re entitled to—it’s about what we give. As we approach the 2026 elections, I appeal to all candidates to serve people beyond political lines, beyond parties, and beyond tribes,” he said.
Mukula reiterated that his manifesto focuses on economic empowerment and poverty alleviation, but stressed that such goals must start with tangible, immediate interventions in healthcare and education.
His donation drives and school visit form part of his broader push for action-driven leadership ahead of the 2026 general elections.
