Soroti, Uganda | Attan Moses Okia, the unopposed Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flagbearer for Soroti City East Member of Parliament seat, has launched a strong criticism against Teso region leaders, accusing them of abandoning their people and prioritizing personal gain over regional development.
Addressing the press at Sanctuary Restaurant in Soroti, Attan expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of political silence in the region amid deepening poverty, crumbling health infrastructure, poor roads, and lack of access to quality education.
He said the region continues to suffer because its leaders have chosen to feed their own stomachs instead of advocating for their communities.
Attan emphasized that Teso is grappling with underdevelopment because the very individuals entrusted to speak for the people have chosen self-interest over service.
A seasoned opposition figure since 2011, Attan reaffirmed his commitment to transparent and people-centered leadership.
He noted that unlike other leaders who remain silent, he has always been vocal and active in Parliament, even when it came at a political cost.
During his previous term in Parliament, Attan recalled lobbying efforts that saw Soroti Regional Referral Hospital acquire a CT scan machine and an Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 crisis.
He explained that these outcomes were the result of written reports and follow-ups he made to the relevant authorities.
He criticized those in power who, out of fear of upsetting the ruling party, attempt to stifle his voice in Parliament. According to him, such silence is detrimental to progress.
He urged Teso leaders to take inspiration from other regions, where vocal and united political leadership has translated into visible development.
Attan also decried the lack of a government-aided secondary school in Awoja, noting that students are forced to walk long distances to access schools like Soroti SS.
He blamed internal political wrangles for stalling key projects such as the construction of Opuyo Seed School, urging leaders to abandon petty rivalries and embrace unity for the good of the region.
Citing the 2024 National Housing and Population Census, Attan described the poverty rate in Teso as alarming. He noted that the region has now been ranked the poorest in Uganda.
In education, he said only 23% of eligible students are enrolled in secondary school, while 77% remain excluded from the system.
He also expressed concern over the dire state of public healthcare in the region, revealing that 71% of residents now rely on private facilities due to the declining quality of public hospitals.
Corruption, absenteeism, and poor work ethic among some health workers were among the challenges he identified.
The FDC flagbearer stressed the importance of revamping agriculture, creating employment opportunities for youth, and demanding equitable national budget allocations for Soroti City.
He noted that cities like Lira and Gulu are progressing rapidly due to collective leadership, adding that Soroti has the potential to compete if its leaders work together.
Attan challenged MPs and local leaders in Teso to stop pulling each other down and instead work as a team.
He expressed disappointment that some MPs from the region cannot sit together to discuss the region’s future, calling it a betrayal of the people’s trust.
He urged the electorate to resist being influenced by temporary handouts during elections and instead demand consistent performance and transparency from those they elect into office.
Touching on historical grievances, Attan called on the government to fulfill the promise of cattle compensation first made in President Museveni’s 1996 manifesto.
He said the 30-year wait has taken a psychological toll on Teso communities and must be addressed urgently.
Attan thanked the people of Teso for their continued trust and support.
He pledged not to disappoint them, vowing to be their voice in Parliament and a relentless advocate for the region’s development.
