Okwang Town Council Residents decry limited access to government poverty-eradication programs’

24 June 2026, 10:05 am

By Dickens Aruca.

Residents of Okwang Town Council in Otuke District have raised concerns over their limited access to government poverty-eradication initiatives, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The concern was voiced by Mr. Patrick Ojok Apala, a resident of Okwii Central, during an exclusive telephone interview with the Radio Wa News Desk.

Ojok Apala said that despite the government’s efforts to combat poverty through the Parish Development Model, only a small number of residents in Okwang Town Council have benefited from the program. He attributed the challenge to administrative changes following the creation of Okwang Town Council from the former sub-county.

According to him, only two wards—Yabwangi and Okwii—are currently recognized by the Ministry of Local Government, leaving many residents unable to access the program. He added that the few beneficiaries who have received PDM funds were registered under Olworngu Parish in Okwang Sub-county.

The LC III Chairperson of Okwang Town Council, Mr. Alex Okwir, confirmed the concerns, noting that the issue extends beyond the Parish Development Model and also affects other government interventions such as the livestock restocking program.

Okwir explained that although residents of Okwang Town Council were reorganized administratively during the 2026 general elections, the same adjustments have not been reflected in the implementation of government development programs.

He further noted that many residents of Okwang Town Council suffered significant losses of cattle and property during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, yet they continue to miss out on government restocking initiatives intended to support recovery and improve livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the Otuke District LC V Chairperson, Mr. Abola Francis, acknowledged the challenge and assured residents that district leaders are actively engaging relevant authorities to ensure the matter is addressed.

Abola questioned why residents who were officially recognized and participated in elections under Okwang Town Council continue to face barriers in accessing government programs designed to benefit all eligible citizens.

On his part, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Otuke District, Mr. Moses Echat, said he was not fully aware of the concern, having served in the district for only one month. However, he appealed to leaders from the affected areas to formally present the matter to his office so that appropriate action can be taken.

Residents and leaders in Okwang Town Council are calling for urgent intervention to ensure that administrative changes are fully reflected in government development programs. They argue that equal access to initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and restocking programs is essential for improving livelihoods and achieving the government’s poverty-eradication goals.