AGAGO: Agago District LCV Chairperson Wilson Otto has concluded one of his most intensive lobbying missions in Kampala, holding a series of high-level meetings with some of Uganda’s most influential government officials between Tuesday, July 14, and Friday, July 18. The engagements focused on addressing critical challenges affecting the district, including security, healthcare, education, disaster relief, governance, and funding.
The four-day mission has drawn widespread attention, with many residents describing it as one of the most productive weeks of advocacy for Agago in recent years.
Strengthening Security Across Agago
One of Otto’s first engagements was with the Inspector General of Police, AIGP Abbas Byakagaba, where discussions centered on improving security throughout Agago’s sub-counties.
As the government rolls out a policy of deploying 15 police officers to every sub-county, Otto raised concerns about the lack of accommodation for officers once they are deployed.
Rather than requesting additional personnel alone, he pushed for government support to construct decent housing for police officers, ensuring that increased deployments are accompanied by the infrastructure needed to make the initiative effective.
The meeting reportedly established a clear roadmap for collaboration between the district and the Uganda Police Force to improve security services across Agago.
Agago Influences National Governance Reforms
Otto also met Minister of local government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, whose recent nationwide anti-corruption campaign has placed governance reforms at the center of government priorities.
According to information from the discussions, the meeting was highly productive and positioned Agago as an example of good local governance.
Following the engagement, Minister Balaam emphasized that District Service Commissions should be fully constituted across the country and directed local governments to ensure that roads are properly named before the August 30 deadline.
The development places Agago among districts helping shape national governance reforms rather than merely implementing them.
Lobbying for Emergency Food Relief
The district’s prolonged drought was another major issue presented during the Kampala mission.
Otto met Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness Lillian Aber together with Minister Sam Engola, urging immediate government intervention to address worsening food insecurity.
Instead of relying solely on reports, Otto presented video footage from affected communities, statistical evidence, and firsthand accounts illustrating the severity of the drought’s impact on households across the district.
The presentation reportedly convinced ministry officials to approve government food relief support for affected communities in Agago.
The commitment comes as many families continue to struggle with crop failures and prolonged dry conditions.
Push to Improve Patongo Health Centre IV
Healthcare also featured prominently during the lobbying mission.
Otto held discussions with Minister of Health Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, focusing on strengthening healthcare services in Agago, particularly Patongo Health Centre IV.
The meeting addressed the need for improved staffing levels, better medical resources, and additional government support to enhance healthcare delivery.
District leaders believe improvements at Patongo Health Centre IV would significantly expand access to quality healthcare for thousands of residents who currently travel long distances for specialized services.
Finance Ministry Addresses UGIFT Funding Gaps
The lobbying mission concluded with what many consider its most significant engagement—a meeting with Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi.
Discussions focused on resolving UGIFT funding gaps affecting Agago’s seed secondary schools, addressing the district’s wage bill, and clearing outstanding financial arrears.
Following the meeting, Otto issued a message to residents reaffirming his commitment to securing government support for the district.
“Good morning, the people of Agago. This morning, I held a productive meeting with the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to discuss the UGIFT funding gaps and the wage bill for Agago District. I remain committed to engaging the relevant ministries to ensure our district receives the support it deserves. Together, we shall continue working for a better Agago.”
The discussions are expected to help unlock funding for education infrastructure while addressing financial challenges that have affected service delivery within the district.
A Week Focused on Results
Within just four days, Wilson Otto held strategic meetings covering nearly every critical sector affecting Agago’s development—from security and governance to disaster preparedness, healthcare, education, and public finance.
While many of the commitments reached during the meetings will now move into the implementation phase, the Kampala lobbying mission demonstrates the district leadership’s continued effort to engage central government directly in pursuit of solutions for Agago’s most pressing challenges.
Residents will now be watching closely as the various ministries begin translating the commitments made during the meetings into tangible improvements on the ground.
