By Steven Enatu
SERERE
Residents of Serere District have once again expressed strong confidence in the leadership of Hon. Hellen Adoa, the State Minister for Fisheries and National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Woman MP, praising her for her continued commitment to community development and youth empowerment.
During a football engagement held in Otirono, Kadungulu Sub-county, several community leaders and residents applauded the minister for her initiative to involve young people in sports, noting that it keeps them active, united, and away from unproductive habits.
Francis Otim, the Chairperson for the Elderly in AlilimKipi Village, appreciated the minister for engaging the youth in football, saying the initiative helps them stay focused and away from bad habits such as theft. He said the elderly are proud of Adoa’s leadership and will continue to support her return to Parliament as Woman MP for Serere.
Andrew Ogira, the unopposed councilor-elect representing the elderly in Kadungulu Sub-county, said he has witnessed remarkable transformation in Serere under Adoa’s leadership. Ogira, who settled in Serere in 1972, said the area was once underdeveloped but has since changed under her stewardship. He thanked Adoa for supporting the roofing of a classroom block that was blown off by wind, saying such acts show her commitment to education and community development.
Salume Ingona, a resident of Otirono, said she admires Adoa’s leadership because she has organized and empowered many families through community groups. She said she taught them home management skills and supported their saving groups with funds that helped improve their livelihoods.
Joyce Norah Atim, an elderly woman in her late 60s, said her family has benefited from Adoa’s education programs. She said several of her children and grandchildren have completed school and become teachers, thanks to the opportunities created by the Woman MP’s initiatives.
Anna Grace Ogaino, a member of Eceunos Women Saving Group in Okulukulun, said her group received one million shillings from Adoa to start their savings scheme. She said that support was the foundation of their current financial empowerment, and the group now saves weekly. Ogaino added that it is not yet time for change in Serere, urging residents to continue supporting Adoa’s leadership.
While addressing the excited crowd in Otirono, Hon. Adoa reaffirmed her commitment to improving social services in Serere District. She pledged to lobby government to elevate Serere Health Centre IV to a district hospital and called upon residents to support the NRM government in consolidating the development gains already achieved.
Adoa also announced plans to embark on a village-to-village campaign across Serere to directly engage with the people and listen to their needs.
At the end of the function, she rewarded the participating football teams with cash prizes, sets of jerseys, and footballs, further cementing her connection with the youth and reaffirming her dedication to community growth.
Charles Egimu, one of the young footballers who took part in the tournament, said the minister’s support has strengthened them as a team. “The money, jerseys, and balls have motivated us to train harder and play better,” he said.
John Robert Lubowa from Iruko Agule echoed similar sentiments, saying their village team had long prayed for such empowerment. “This support has given us hope and a platform to build our talent. We are now more united and ready to return Hon. Adoa to Parliament,” he said.
