Who Am I?

I am a self-motivated, hardworking, and committed professional who has steadily risen through the ranks of the health sector due to my dedication, transparency, and honesty. These qualities enabled me to transition smoothly into politics and policy development in 2016.

Why Am I Running?

Lira City requires transformational leadership—one that is dedicated, visionary, and capable of uniting its people for progress. It is my firm conviction that the time for change is now. For too long, the city has suffered from a lack of tangible development due to short-sighted leadership that prioritizes personal interests over the future of our children.

Lira City is my home, and its people are my people. I feel a deep calling to serve and drive meaningful change that will uplift men, women, and youth across the region. With over 30 years of experience working in government, including 15 years in top leadership roles in the health sector, I bring extensive experience in policy-making, governance, and international collaboration.

Lira City, launched on August 6, 2020, is still young and requires an open-minded, experienced, and tested leader to drive its industrial and commercial growth. My vision focuses on key sectors, including health, education, industrialization, business, wealth creation, security, culture and tourism, urban beautification, and low-cost housing.

Key Needs of Lira City

1. Women Empowerment

As a woman, I am committed to advocating for gender equality by addressing challenges faced by women in households and workplaces such as markets and agricultural fields. My goal is to champion wealth creation initiatives that empower women economically.

2. Lango Renaissance

As a native of Lango, I understand the region's struggles and will advocate for marginalized groups, including girls, persons with disabilities, youth, and women. By working with religious leaders, clan elders, and community opinion leaders, I aim to promote unity, cultural values, and family-strengthening initiatives.

3. Industrialization and Commercialization

Lira City has the potential to become a major business hub. I will collaborate with the private sector and development partners to foster a thriving business environment that attracts investors and supports local enterprises.

Key Issues in Lira City and Proposed Solutions

1. Health Sector Challenges

Lira residents often rely on private healthcare, which is costly and drives many into poverty. Preventable diseases remain a significant challenge, while urban health issues such as air pollution, road accidents, and substance abuse are on the rise. Lira City has the highest number of multi-drug-resistant TB cases after Mulago Hospital.

Proposed Solutions:

• Lobby for the elevation of Lira Regional Referral Hospital to a National Referral Hospital with specialized services, including regional cancer and heart institutes.
• Expand and equip LLRH’s laboratory to enhance diagnostic capacity.
• Transform the blood collection unit into a regional blood bank.
• Advocate for an emergency ambulance service for the region.
• Establish a knowledgeable City Health Authority to address urban healthcare needs.
• Collaborate with private health providers to develop affordable healthcare schemes.

2. Support for Marginalized Communities

Women, youth, persons with disabilities, widows, and orphans remain vulnerable to poverty and abuse. Issues such as gender-based violence, limited education access, and urban crime need urgent attention.

Proposed Solutions:

• Raise awareness about the rights of marginalized populations.
• Work with city leadership and civil society to facilitate employment and skill development programs.
• Support SACCOs and low-interest loans for vulnerable groups.
• Promote financial literacy and behavioral change programs.

3. Strengthening the Informal Sector

Boda boda riders, taxi operators, market vendors, and small-scale traders are key contributors to Lira’s economy but face challenges such as inadequate financial access, poor working conditions, and harassment.

Proposed Solutions:

• Promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs.
• Strengthen cooperation between traders and city authorities to create a conducive business environment.
• Support collective bargaining groups to improve financial access and development initiatives.
• Enhance infrastructure to facilitate smooth service delivery.

4. Urban Planning and Housing

Lira City's new status demands an updated urban development plan, considering industrialization and increasing population growth.

Proposed Solutions:

• Collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to attract investors for low-cost housing.
• Advocate for secure land tenure systems for urban dwellers.
• Engage organizations like UN-Habitat to address land protection and urban sustainability.

5. Access to Clean Water and Sanitation

Lira City’s growing population requires improved water supply and waste management systems.

Proposed Solutions:

• Lobby for an upgrade of the city’s water supply infrastructure.
• Strengthen public health and sanitation programs in collaboration with city authorities.
• Introduce waste recycling industries to reduce environmental degradation.

6. Security Enhancement

A safe city fosters economic growth and improves the quality of life.

Proposed Solutions:

• Install street lighting and electronic surveillance systems (CCTV cameras).
• Enhance neighborhood policing and community security initiatives.

7. Beautification of Lira City

A well-planned city is attractive to residents, visitors, and investors.

Proposed Solutions:

• Implement landscaping and beautification projects such as tree planting and flower gardens.
• Encourage property owners to renovate and maintain their buildings.
• Identify and preserve historical and cultural sites to boost tourism.

8. Industry, Trade, and Tourism

Lira City has strong agricultural potential, which should be leveraged for industrial growth and trade expansion.

Proposed Solutions:

• Work with national and international investors to fast-track industrialization.
• Promote economic incentives, tax breaks, and trade fairs to attract investment.
• Establish large-scale agro-industries such as cassava processing plants for industrial sugar and starch production.
• Support cooperative societies with grants and capacity-building programs.
• Lobby for smart technology implementation to improve trade efficiency.

9. Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Lira City serves as a transit route for tourism destinations in Northern Uganda, yet its tourism sector remains underdeveloped.

Proposed Solutions:

• Develop infrastructure and amenities to support the tourism industry.
• Partner with private investors to establish world-class hotels and recreational centers.
• Promote cultural and historical tourism through documentation and preservation of heritage sites.