Opposition Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has pledged to increase funding for sports should he win the February polls.
While speaking at his first rally in Soroti district on Thursday at Asuret sub-county headquarters, Besigye said talent-nurturing and sports development will be a top priority of his government.
“Uganda has a lot of talent for sports, but the NRM government has not invested in promoting the talents of our people. Instead of developing sporting infrastructure, even the few playgrounds we have are being sold off,” he said.
He promised to invest in sports infrastructure, including establishing sports academies, which he said the NRM government had failed to put in place.
Arguing that the NRM government has been making empty compensation promises, Besigye assured the people of Teso that he will compensate them for the cattle they lost. Soroti Woman MP Angelline Osege said Teso lost a lot of cattle during the insurgency in the area.
Pointing out that 19 women die every day during labour, Osege said NRM has failed to meet the health needs of Ugandans.
Besigye pledged to build better equipped hospitals with adequate medical workers. Reacting to unconfirmed reports that the nurse who guided him while inspecting Abim Hospital had been sacked by the area chief administrative officer, Besigye said this was shameful.
“The hospital is in a sorry state. Instead of apologising to the people of Abim, they are attacking the poor health workers. If it is true they have been sacked, we shall soon bring them back on their jobs when we take over and the ones sacking them will be held accountable,” he warned.
Apart from the education sector promises he has made in other places such as increasing teachers’ salaries and giving free computers to secondary school students, Besigye told Soroti people that he will promote technical and vocational education in order to produce more job makers.
“We have a collapsed education system. We shall invest in quality and relevant education. Priority will be given to vocational training,” he elucidated.
He thanked the people of Teso for the support they have always rendered him and other party candidates and assured them that change is this time inevitable.
Countering President Yoweri Museveni’s recent advice to the people of Soroti to vote NRM candidates so that services can reach them, Besigye said areas represented by NRM have the poorest services.
“Most MPs from Busoga are NRM, but it is one of the poorest regions with people dying of jiggers. There is no single Opposition MP from Bunyoro, but the area is very poor.
“The Government is like a human body. You scratch where it itches. That is why Museveni has promised to compensate Teso, but not Karamoja where he has had a lot of support,” he stated.
On President Museveni’s argument that the Opposition leader’s promises such as increasing teachers’ salaries cannot be fulfilled because the country has a small resource envelope, Besigye said: “I am ready for a public debate with Museveni so that I show him where the money will come from. Ugandans will be able to know who of us is telling lies.”
esigye joins supporters in a traditional dance at ubur rimary chool in orotiBesigye joins supporters in a traditional dance at Tubur Primary School in Soroti
Stella Amuda, a resident of Amuda sub-county, said: “As a young person, I am excited about Besigye’s promise to buy free computers for secondary students. The promise for tractors is also a long overdue idea which can revolutionise agriculture.”
Joseph Obata from Asuret said: “The need to increase teachers’ salaries is a concern for everyone. I am also impressed by Besigye’s plans for the agriculture sector. That is where we have comparative advantage in the international market.” S
haron Atoo said: “I liked the promise to end corruption and wastage in the Government. This is the biggest problem we have in the country.
Hellen Ajumo, a resident of Katine, said: “He has addressed people’s key concerns such as the need to increase salaries, increase investment in agriculture, clean water and stopping the high rate of unemployment.”
In a recent Vision Group poll, voters in Soroti listed the top five concerns as::
- Water and sanitation issues
- Health-related issues
- Education
- Poor road network
- Corruption
Julius Obongo asked the residents what they expect from Besigye today . . .
Moses Malinga, a casual labourer in Soroti municipality: I expect him to discuss the issue of unemployment among the youth and address the issue of bad roads.
Jane Akwango, a tailor in Soroti: My major interest as a woman is peace. I expect the presidential candidate to explain how he plans to maintain peace in the country.
James Aodu, bodaboda cyclist: I expect him to improve the social life of the communities by empowering them economically, especially checking on the value of the shilling that has fallen. Let him tell us how he will do it.
Rose Alupo, a housewife: I expect the candidate to tackle the issue of domestic violence, which has now become rampant in most families in Uganda. I also expect him to empower women economically by supporting them in their small businesses. I, therefore, expect Besigye to tell us how he will achieve these things.
Christine Otude, a food vendor in Soroti town: I expect him to explain how he will improve the standards of education, which have deteriorated and how he plans to uphold women rights.
