Teso has all the national cakes but its people are yawning

With Vice President, Speaker and several ministers, Teso would be riding high in development but it instead remains just another struggling region

FEATURE | The 2021 election dramatically shifted the political landscape of the Teso sub-region, a former stronghold of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), turning it predominantly pro-National Resistance Movement (NRM).

This shift followed the defeat and exodus of notable opposition figures such as Angelina Osege, Alice Alaso, and Herbert Ariko, who defected to the NRM, while Elijah Okupa went independent, and Patrick Amuriat was defeated by Ismael Orot in Kumi (2016).

The NRM's success in Teso was attributed to several factors, including intense mobilization efforts and leveraging gains from key development projects.

Notable accomplishments included the tarmacking of major roads such as the Soroti-Lira road (2017), Soroti-Mbale road (2015), Soroti-Katakwi-Moroto road (2019), and the Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi road.

Other significant developments included the Soroti Fruit Factory (2019), Soroti University (2015), and the Lake Bisina Ferry including Kagwara, ferry which is on its way.

Following these electoral successes, Teso was rewarded with numerous influential government positions: the vice presidency, the speaker of parliament, six ministerial positions, the acting deputy governor, and the deputy Chief of Defense Forces (CDF).

Additionally, the region has a dedicated Minister of State for Teso Affairs under the Office of the Prime Minister, headed by Clement Kenneth Ongalo-Obote.

Key figures include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo; the Minister of State for Energy, Sidronius Opolot Okaasai; the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hellen Adoa; the Minister of State for Works, Francis Musa Ecweru; the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang; and the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hellen Asamo—all hailing from Teso.

Ngariam Member of Parliament and State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang attributes these high political appointments to the appointing authority’s faith and belief in the "children and sons of the soil."

Ogwang emphasizes that these appointments reflect the trust and confidence the leadership has in the capabilities of Teso’s representatives.

However, political analysts like Benson Ekwa Ocen also the executive director public affairs center (PAC) argue that these high-level appointments have not translated into significant social development initiatives.

Ocen said: “It has turned out that whereas we have big guys in government, this is the time when Teso is losing out on the key projects for the region defined in National Development Plan III.”

He cited unfulfilled promises such as the tarmacking of 720km of roads under the fishing corridor infrastructure development, including the Kumi-Kagwara road, the construction of a regional referral hospital, and the establishment of an airport.

Additionally, resources allocated to local governments have severely dwindled, further affecting service delivery.

“Even what was set in the medium-term framework for the region they have failed to secure,” Ekue observed.

Ocen also highlights deep-seated divisions and power struggles among regional political bigwigs.

He points out that figures such as Vice-President Jessica Alupo and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among do not see eye to eye.

“They are busy fighting each other and have failed to unite for a common cause,” he said.

This internal discord has prevented the formation of a unified approach to address the region’s development needs, creating a perception of diminished responsiveness compared to when the region had a stronger opposition presence.

Critics argue that these appointments have largely served personal interests rather than advancing a unified development agenda for the region.

Ocen adds: “Instead, the ministers have become constituency ministers. The vice-president is spending all the time in Katakwi, with all the major developments there.

"The Speaker is in Bukedea with her personal development initiatives, basically trying to see that her businesses are thriving. She is even building a personal stadium while the one in Soroti is rotting.”

However, Ngariam MP and State Minister for Sports Ogwang says many pledges have been fulfilled, including the Bukungu-Kagwara ferry, which is 80 percent complete.

The only pending pledge according to him is the issue of animal compensation.

Ogwang highlights other achievements such as the elevation of Soroti Municipality to city status, the construction of Soroti Central Market, and the improved road network in Kumi Municipality.

Additionally, empowerment programs like the Parish Development Model in which beneficiaries receive one million to investment in productivity, and the construction of schools and health centers are underway.

Ogwang remains optimistic about the NRM's future in Teso, predicting that the party will win the region with a margin of over 80 percent in the 2026 elections.

“We are committed to ensuring that what was promised to our people is fulfilled during this term of office,” he added.

Despite these infrastructural achievements, the lack of coordinated development efforts has left the region questioning the tangible benefits of its increased political representation.

Analysts suggest that the focus must shift towards a common developmental goal that addresses the broader needs of Teso’s communities, ensuring that the political gains translate into real socio-economic progress.

Pascal Amuriat, chairman of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) in Soroti City, is one amongst many critics who has also criticized the lack of influence and decision-making power among Teso leaders in government positions.

"Most Teso leaders in big government positions don't have the power to command, they only hold titles," Amuriat sai.

"They are mere figureheads, lacking the authority to make meaningful decisions that benefit our region. We need leaders who can effectively represent our interests and drive development in our region."

Amuriat said merely holding a government position is not enough; "we need leaders with the power to shape policy and make a real difference."

This criticism echoes concerns among some Teso residents that their leaders in government have failed to deliver on promises of development and progress.