– Independent parliamentary candidate Queen Dorothy Amolo has promised to introduce a pioneering Bill to regulate commodity prices if elected as the Member of Parliament for Oyam South. The proposed legislation aims to shield farmers from exploitation by middlemen and create fair, uniform market rates across the district’s agricultural sector.
Amolo, one of eight candidates cleared by the Electoral Commission to contest the seat, visited voters across all eight sub-counties and Oyam Town Council. She emphasized that the current pricing system leaves farmers vulnerable, with high input costs and collapsing harvest prices trapping many in persistent poverty.
“A farmer wakes up early to toil in the garden, yet at harvest, middlemen come to cheat them,” Amolo said. “This happens because parliamentarians have no heart for farmers. When I am elected, the first Bill I will draft is one to regulate market prices of commodities.”
The candidate also criticized district leaders for poor accountability on funds allocated for road maintenance, highlighting the deteriorating state of Oyam’s road network despite annual government allocations. “Government sends one billion shillings every year for road maintenance. Where is that money going? Which roads have been rehabilitated?” she asked.
In response, Eng. George Okite Okeng, Oyam District Engineer, explained that the district’s road challenges stem from insufficient funding. With 252.5 kilometres of district roads to maintain, the current allocations are not enough, he said, urging parliamentarians to revise guidelines to enable more effective planning and maintenance.
Residents also raised concerns about systemic barriers affecting agricultural productivity. John Bua from Adebe Trading Centre highlighted issues such as poor storage facilities, limited market access, and lack of financing. He urged leaders to support initiatives like ox-plough distribution and subsidized seed prices to enhance large-scale farming.
Amolo, who finished second to Gender Minister Betty Amongi in 2021 with 14,883 votes, is relying on strong rural support to mount a more competitive challenge this election cycle. She said Oyam South constituents want leaders who fight for farmers’ welfare and ensure government accountability.
Oyam South is set to elect a new representative following Amongi’s decision to contest for Lira City Woman MP. Among those vying to replace her are Patrick Ogwang Obura (NRM), Geoffrey Owilli (UPC), Isaa Otoo Amiza (NUP), Godfrey Odong (PF), and independent candidates Queen Amolo, Dr Ekwaro Obuku, Bernard Awuku, and Patrick Obong.
