Odur Kami challenges Lango MPs to deliver or face voters in 2031

26 July 2026, 4:30 pm

By Hillary Opio Omara

Bishop Emeritus John Charles Odur Kami has warned Members of Parliament from Lango against using political differences to undermine their colleagues, saying MPs who fail to fulfil their promises to voters risk being rejected in the 2031 general elections.

Bishop Odur Kami made the remarks while addressing a thanksgiving gathering attended by more than 300 people following the election of Leo Elem as Member of Parliament for Moroto County in Alebtong District. The event was held at Alira Primary School.

He urged Lango MPs to remain focused on serving their constituents instead of attacking those who support them financially, warning that political leaders who neglect their voters could face consequences in the next election.

“The strength of a Member of Parliament is not in the money given to them. Some MPs begin looking down on the people who supported them financially. If that happens, they may not return to Parliament in 2031,” Bishop Odur Kami cautioned.

He further called on MPs to support development initiatives without allowing party politics to interfere with their responsibilities to the people.

Bishop Odur Kami argued that political parties do not sit in Parliament to represent citizens; rather, elected MPs do.

He said MPs should therefore prioritise the interests of the people who sent them to Parliament above party differences and work collectively to attract development to the Lango Sub-region.

Bishop Odur Kami also appealed to the people of Lango to move beyond political divisions and instead embrace unity, love, and cooperation.

Speaking at the same function, James Akung Wapakabulu, UPC Chairperson for Alebtong District and LC3 Chairperson of Abia Sub-county, criticised the government over what he described as the arrest of prominent leaders.

Akung accused the government of weakening citizens’ ability to unite and demand accountability, urging people to come together and reject practices that undermine development.

He said the UPC had already started engaging directly with residents of Moroto County on the priorities they expect their newly elected MP, Leo Elem, to address.

In his remarks, MP Leo Elem called on the Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Sam Engola, and the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Santa Sandra Alum Ogwang, to intervene in the stalled construction of two seed secondary schools in Alebtong District.

The schools are Akura Seed Secondary School and Alebtong Comprehensive Seed School.

Elem said the government approved the projects in 2018, but construction has not progressed, leaving communities waiting for the promised infrastructure.

He asked the ministers to intervene and help facilitate the completion of the projects.

Responding to the concerns, Minister of State for Economic Monitoring Santa Sandra Alum Ogwang said the government would examine the issues raised by MP Leo Elem and establish a way forward for the stalled seed school projects.

She added that her ministry would begin monitoring government funds allocated to different local governments across the Lango Sub-region to ensure the resources are properly utilised.

The minister emphasised the need for stronger monitoring and accountability in the implementation of government programmes.

Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees and Erute South Member of Parliament, Sam Engola, also told the gathering that Lango leaders must work together and speak with one voice on issues affecting the Sub-region.

Engola said Lango leaders have an opportunity to consolidate their priorities and present them collectively before Cabinet.

He revealed that, beginning Monday, 27 July 2026, his ministry, in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, would commence the distribution of food items, including posho and beans, to households across Lango, following a model similar to the government’s intervention in the Karamoja Sub-region.