Residents of Oyam district receive food relief following devastating floods from OPM

9 January 2025, 4:01 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

In a significant relief effort, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has provided essential food items to residents of Oyam district who were affected by floods last year. The relief package included 20 tonnes of maize flour and 10 tonnes of beans, aimed at assisting those in the sub-counties of Abok, Otwal, Iceme, and Ngai.

The distribution of the relief items was launched on 8 January 2025 at the district council hall by Betty Amongi Akena, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, who also serves as the Oyam South Member of Parliament.

During the event, the minister emphasised the importance of swift action in disaster situations, stating, “The District Disaster Committee should always take prompt intervention when disasters occur.”

Minister Amongi commended Hon. Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, for her unwavering advocacy, which brought the plight of the affected communities to national attention.

“I applaud my colleagues for their tireless efforts, both in Parliament and beyond, to secure this vital assistance. I also extend my gratitude to the OPM for their swift response,” Minister Amongi stated.

Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, the Member of Parliament for Oyam North, expressed her gratitude to the locals and leaders of Oyam for their efforts in advocating for the relief support.

Benson Dila, the LC5 Chairman of Oyam district, commended the government’s intervention and stressed the importance of ensuring the relief reached the intended beneficiaries. “The relief should reach those it is meant for,” he stated.

Geoffrey Ogwal, the Oyam District Community Development Officer, noted that over 792 families from the four sub-counties would benefit from the relief items.

“Over 792 families from four sub-counties will benefit from the relief items, with each family receiving 25.2 kg of maize and 12.6 kg of beans,” Ogwal explained.

Philips Ogile, the LC3 Chairperson of Abok sub-county, praised the government’s efforts and assured that the distribution process would be managed effectively.

“We assure proper distribution of the items to reach the intended beneficiaries,” Ogile confirmed.

This relief initiative serves as a critical support mechanism for the residents of Oyam district, helping their recovery from the devastating floods and contributing to the region’s food security.