Pallisa, Uganda | Government, through the Office of the Prime Minister under the Ministry of Teso Affairs, has delivered 590 iron sheets to two Catholic parishes and a private beneficiary in Kibale County, Pallisa District, as part of efforts to support community infrastructure development in Eastern Uganda.
The consignment was handed over on Thursday during a brief ceremony held at Kibale Town Council and presided over by Kibale County MP Hon. Constantine Okwii, who represented the Minister of State for Teso Affairs, Hon. Dr. Clement Kenneth Ongalo Obote.
Hon. Okwii was accompanied by Pallisa District Woman MP Hon. Catherine Achola.
Hon. Okwii outlined the distribution of the iron sheets as follows: St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Kibale – 300 pieces, St. Boniface Odeperio Catholic Church – 250 pieces and Mr. Michael Outa – 40 pieces.
In addition, each church committee received UGX 500,000 to support implementation.
“This cash is a personal contribution from me as the area Member of Parliament to supplement government support and ensure timely completion of the church structures,” Hon. Okwii said.
Hon. Achola noted that Pallisa and Butebo districts now fall under the administrative and budgetary framework of the Teso Sub-region, following a presidential directive.
She explained that this will result in a consolidated budgetary allocation for the entire Teso Sub-region, including Pallisa and Butebo, to promote equitable planning and resource distribution.
“Consequently, there will be a single consolidated budget for Teso, inclusive of Pallisa and Butebo, to ensure equitable planning and resource distribution,” she said, quoting the minister’s message as read by Hon. Okwii.
The arrangement, she added, will ensure that the two districts are planned for and funded alongside other Teso districts under one budget vote.
Hon. Okwii emphasized that the iron sheets were a direct government intervention and not personal donations by any political leader or individual.
He further relayed the minister’s appeal for citizens and institutions to channel all requests for government support through the Ministry of Teso Affairs, rather than directly approaching the Office of the Prime Minister, to improve coordination and transparency.
“The government remains fair, just, and committed to attending to all legitimate requests, albeit in a phased and orderly manner,” he said.
Hon. Achola commended the government for responding to community needs and urged beneficiaries to use the materials responsibly.
She also encouraged environmental conservation, calling for tree planting around churches to protect buildings from windstorms.
“My emphasis is on greening Pallisa. Please plant trees around churches so that windstorms do not blow off roofs,” she said.
She also assured residents affected by recent storms that the government was working on interventions to support disaster victims.
Pallisa District LC5 Chairperson Hon. Okiria Ben thanked the Ministry of Teso Affairs for the support, noting that many church leaders had previously submitted requests for assistance.
“This support will go a long way in strengthening faith institutions and restoring hope among our communities,” he said, adding that government support to religious institutions aligns with the NRM philosophy of “For God and My Country.”
Residents welcomed the development, with Mr. John Opedun of Otelepai Cell in Kibale Town Council describing the inclusion of Pallisa and Butebo in the Teso administrative structure as a positive step that could improve access to government services.
However, Ms. Angela Berita Asige, a widow from Eriamacin Ward whose home was destroyed by a recent storm, appealed for urgent disaster relief for affected households.
“We urge government to extend support to families who lost homes and property due to the storm,” she said.
Pallisa Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Mr. John Okia, who represented the CAO’s office, said the Chief Administrative Officer would have attended but was engaged in transition duties following recent deployment changes.
He noted that the CAO had just assumed office after being transferred from Namutumba District.
