UPC hopefuls donate to catering, bakery groups in Oyam

15 July 2025, 4:15 pm

By Eman yonah oruk

A wave of excitement swept through two catering service groups in Loro Sub county and one bakery group in Minakulu Town Council following the donation of various equipment by Geoffrey Owili, a parliamentary hopeful for Oyam South, in collaboration with Brenda Komagum Akello, aspiring Woman MP for Oyam District—both contesting under the UPC ticket.

The donation ceremony took place yesterday and saw equipment handed over to the Ocan Onote Catering Group and Obanga Ber Women Group in Abung Duta Village, Alutkot Parish, Loro Sub county, as well as to Rafiki Bakery Company in Minakulu, which has so far trained over 3,000 youth in bakery production.

While addressing group members, Geoffrey Owili stated that his mission in Oyam South is to uplift poor communities and help them transform their lives. He emphasised his commitment to fighting poverty by supporting initiatives that build practical skills across the region.

Speaking to our reporter, Silvesto Orac, Chairperson of the Ocan Onote Group in Abung Duta Village, Alutkot Parish, confirmed the donation and praised Geoffrey Owili and Brenda Komagum Akello as exemplary leaders. He assured voters of his group’s support, highlighting the leaders’ generosity and service to the community.

Silvia Alfred Edonga, Chairperson of Obanga Ber Women Group, who has served for over ten years, expressed her group’s readiness to support Owili and Komagum in their parliamentary bids. She stated that they represent the kind of leadership the people of Oyam have long yearned for.

Okello David, commonly known as Okello Manager and Director of Rafiki Bakery Centre, expressed his gratitude to Owili for identifying and supporting him in his remote village. He received machines for producing various types of baked goods and has so far trained over 3,000 youth. He encouraged other leaders to emulate the generous spirit shown by Owili and Komagum, who offer support regardless of political affiliation.

Geoffrey Opwore, a resident of Loka Ower, and Jimmy Obong, a member of Rafiki Bakery Company, also applauded the donation. They said the support would help them avoid harmful substances such as marijuana and cocaine, as the new equipment would keep them productively engaged and away from criminal activity.

Andrew Opige Ogwal, speaking on behalf of the Ocan Onote members, thanked Owili and Komagum, and urged politicians who make empty promises to return to digging cassava gardens, stating that the community has resolved to vote wisely moving forward.