Related Articles
BY RICHARD DRASIMAKU
ARUA CITY: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025
Stella Asianju, a resident of Oniba Cell in Ombaci ward, wants to rear pigs and chicken. It was her expectation that the former Member of Parliament, Bernard Atiku, would speak about them.
Atiku is plotting a comeback to reclaim the seat he lost in 2021 was launching consultations and mobilization campaign near the former Adumi sub-county headquarters on Thursday.
While recounting past contributions that he had made in supporting scholarships for school children and construction of churches, Asiaju said she would be delighted if such farming projects become core of Atiku’s manifesto.
She was flanked by Jennifer Asara who said as women they need a project because of inadequate support from spouses.
“Our husbands are not giving us adequate support, when we will get a project in the names of women to empower us financially, we shall be happy,” she said.
After 51 minutes of attentively listening, however, the aspirant did not speak about those projects but emphasized that, although these things are not core among the mandates of legislators, he has his own socio-economic pledge to touch directly on the lives of the people.
His program to eradicate poverty in the constituency is anchored on Cocoa production.
This will be a new and for the first time perennial crop for Ayivu West constituency and hopes are high that it could contribute towards alleviating the high level of poverty in the area.
Atiku assured the people that he was already in touch with Russian investors who want to purchase cocoa in big quantities
His plan is to establish cocoa seedling nursery beds in each parish to support farmers will seedlings. Cocoa takes three years to grow and reach fruiting stage.
Atiku encouraged each family to at least plant 500 cocoa plants in their gardens if they are to realize the quantity required by the investors.
His other pledges are to ensure land security by ensuring that the people are helped to process valid titles for their lands and reinstate the Ayivu education promotion fund.
Atiku said these will add to the core mandate of an MP- to legislate, represent and provide oversight and allocate budget for national development.
The rally was the beginning of his public activities in preparation for the internal party elections for flag bearers.
Atiku joins the incumbent Member of Parliament, John Lematia and Fiona Onzima who have expressed their interest to vie for the position.
He informed the people that his supporters have already contributed to raise the sh3,000,000 required for the nomination by the NRM electoral commission.
Driwala parish made the biggest contribution of UGX.1,000,000, followed by Nyio-Vurra and the Aringa community.
Stella Asianju’s desire to rear pigs and chickens is commendable, and it’s understandable why she hoped Bernard Atiku would address such projects. It’s interesting that Atiku focused on cocoa production as a solution to poverty, but I wonder if this aligns with the immediate needs of the community. While cocoa farming could be beneficial in the long term, many families might need quicker, more accessible income sources like poultry or pig farming. Jennifer Asara’s point about inadequate spousal support highlights a broader issue of gender inequality in economic empowerment. Atiku’s connection with Russian investors sounds promising, but how will he ensure that small-scale farmers, especially women, benefit directly from this initiative? Lastly, his pledge on land security and education is crucial, but will these plans be implemented transparently and inclusively? What steps will he take to ensure accountability and community involvement in these projects?
Language: English
Comment: Stella Asianju’s hope for pig and chicken rearing projects is commendable, especially considering the financial empowerment it could bring to women. It’s interesting, though, that Bernard Atiku didn’t address these specific projects directly, focusing instead on cocoa production. While cocoa cultivation could indeed alleviate poverty, I wonder if it might overshadow other immediate needs like livestock farming. Jennifer Asara’s point about spousal support highlights deeper societal issues that need addressing. Do you think Atiku’s approach is balanced enough to tackle both long-term and short-term needs? Also, how reliable are these Russian investors, and what safeguards are in place for the farmers? It’s a bold plan, but I’m curious if the community feels equally optimistic about it.