OBONGI — Members of Parliament for Obongi District have launched a two-day orientation and stakeholder engagement exercise designed to align development priorities, strengthen oversight functions, and improve coordination among government institutions, development partners, and humanitarian agencies operating in the district.
The programme is aimed at familiarising legislators with key institutions under their oversight mandate while enabling them to better understand the development challenges and opportunities shaping the district.
The exercise is being led by Obongi County MP Fungaroo Kaps Hassan and Obongi District Woman MP Harriet Joyo. It includes visits to the district headquarters and the Palorinya Refugee Settlement Base Camp.
The delegation comprises district political leaders, technical officers, representatives of humanitarian organisations, and officials from the Office of the Prime Minister. Activities began with inspections of ongoing government projects, including road infrastructure works across the district.
Fungaroo said the orientation would strengthen the MPs’ ability to advocate effectively for the district’s development agenda.
“As Members of Parliament, we have a responsibility to represent the interests of our people both at the national level and within our district. This orientation will help us better understand the realities on the ground,” he said.
The legislators identified poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare services, limited electricity access, land disputes, and refugee-host community integration challenges as key priority areas requiring urgent intervention.
Obongi District LCV Chairperson Abibu Buga Khemis welcomed the initiative, saying it would help unify leadership around shared development priorities.
“When leaders speak with one voice and pursue common priorities, development becomes easier to achieve,” he said.
Obongi Resident District Commissioner Samuel Mpibaza Hashaka said the engagement would enhance collaboration between political leaders, technical staff, and central government agencies.
He noted that joint assessments help leaders identify gaps and develop coordinated solutions to service delivery challenges.
Harriet Joyo said the exercise would also strengthen community engagement, ensuring that development programmes reflect the needs of citizens.
“As leaders, we must listen to our communities and work together to address the challenges affecting women, youth and vulnerable groups,” she said.
The programme will conclude with meetings involving officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, and non-governmental organisations operating in the Palorinya Refugee Settlement, focusing on humanitarian and development interventions for both refugees and host communities.
Leaders say the exercise is expected to inform a shared development roadmap for 2026–2031 as Obongi District seeks to improve service delivery and accelerate socio-economic transformation.
