OYAM SOUTH — A weekend of transformation and hope unfolded across Wiiacama, Myene, and Akaka parishes as Oyam South MP aspirant Moses Opito, in partnership with local church leadership, led a two-day outreach blending development support with spiritual renewal.
The initiative, held on July 5–6, drew hundreds of enthusiastic locals and churchgoers, with major activities including the donation of cocoa and pine seedlings, commissioning of a new borehole, and support for women’s income-generating groups.
At St. John Church of Uganda in Akaka Parish, Opito donated 100 cocoa and 108 pine seedlings to the Mothers’ and Fathers’ Unions, describing the gesture as both an economic empowerment and climate action initiative.
“Growing trees like cocoa and pine will help families generate long-term income and support environmental restoration,” Opito said. “The church must be a voice in climate resilience and social development.”
William Omara Obonyo, head of laity, welcomed the donation, calling it a “long-term investment in economic transformation and ecological restoration.”
Later that day, Opito commissioned a borehole in Opani Village, Myene Parish, ending years of water scarcity.
“We used to share muddy water with animals,” said Esther Adongo, a mother from Awobedee Village. “Now our children can attend school clean and healthy.”
“This borehole is a blessing. It reduces disease and improves our hygiene,” added Jacinta Aget, a fellow resident.
While welcoming the gesture, LC I Chairperson Nam Tonny urged leaders to address broader challenges such as poor roads, underfunded schools, and market access.
In Wiiacama Parish, Opito also offered financial support to three local women’s groups—Bediworo, Orib Cing, and Note En Teko—to expand their small businesses and savings programs.
“Women are the economic backbone of our families,” said Judith Anasu, an LC3 women councillor aspirant. “We need sustained support in the form of capital, markets, and training.”
The outreach served as a listening forum for residents to voice long-standing concerns about infrastructure, education, and health services.
“Our people, especially women and youth, are suffering in silence,” said Cecilia Akao Okello, Woman Councillor for Minakulu. “We need inclusive development that reaches the last mile.”
Opito pledged to offer transformative leadership if elected:
“True development must unite moral renewal with physical infrastructure. I will partner with churches and local councils to uplift Oyam South,” he said
On Sunday, July 6, the community gathered again for a vibrant worship service led by Rt. Rev. Julius Caesar Nina Otim, Bishop of West Lango Diocese. The service included the baptism and confirmation of 109 Christians, with the Bishop urging godparents to become active mentors in faith.
A major highlight was the commissioning of a new eight-room Archdeacon’s house, built through community fundraising and support from leaders including Opito and his parents, David and Hellen Egwel, who contributed 118 iron sheets, windows, and doors. The late Hon. Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal was posthumously honored for donating 50 bags of cement toward the project.
“This house symbolizes unity and our faith in community-driven change,” said Alfred Okwanga, head of the parish construction committee.
Meanwhile, Janet Nina, wife of the Bishop, used the moment to call for a moral awakening among youth and parents.
“Parents must reclaim their roles as first moral educators,” she said, urging equal guidance for both girls and boys.
Moses Opito has since launched at least two community-driven initiatives in Oyam South: a clean water campaign and a tree farming program aimed at sustainable income and environmental stewardship.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “Oyam South deserves a future of dignity, opportunity, and faith.”
