Teso Affairs Minister, Kenneth Ongalo Obote has defended the continued relevance of affirmative action programmes, calling for increased government funding to address persistent socio-economic challenges in the Teso sub-region.
He made the remarks while officiating as chief guest at a Local Government Performance Review meeting organised by the Office of the Prime Minister in Soroti.
Obote acknowledged the existence of several government initiatives, including Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme. However, he noted that some vulnerable groups still struggle to benefit fully from these programmes.
“Even with these nationwide programmes, there are vulnerable groups that cannot fully benefit from them. Affirmative action remains critical in bridging that gap,” Obote said.
He revealed that the Ministry for Teso Affairs has faced significant budget reductions over the years, declining from about Shs5 billion to approximately Shs3.2 billion in the current financial year, despite rising demands for service delivery.
The minister highlighted several interventions supported by the ministry, including improvements in education infrastructure and support to districts facing unique development challenges.
He cited the Kalaki–Aleles road, a key route serving a busy cattle market, as an example of infrastructure that requires additional central government support beyond district capacity.
Obote emphasised that micro-projects under the ministry have been vital in supporting vulnerable communities often excluded from broader national programmes.
Using a metaphor, he explained the purpose of affirmative action in promoting equity.
“If you give equal support to unequal groups, the gap remains. We must uplift those who are far behind to ensure equity,” he said.
On cattle restocking, Obote described the programme as a crucial opportunity for the region’s recovery from past insurgencies that led to significant livestock losses. He cautioned against politicising the exercise, stressing the need for transparency and fairness in beneficiary selection.
Meanwhile, Nelson Elongat called for the establishment of a regional road equipment maintenance centre in Teso, saying current reliance on the Bugembe facility in Jinja is inefficient.
He noted that delays in accessing maintenance services are slowing road works across the region, as districts struggle with ageing equipment and long repair turnaround times.
The engagement brought together district leaders and stakeholders to assess local government performance and explore strategies to improve service delivery in the Teso sub-region.