Erute North Aspirant Maj. Rtd Opio Empowers Over 500 Farmers with Cocoa Seedlings in Battle Against Household Poverty

 Lango Uganda : In a significant effort to combat poverty in the community, Maj. Rtd Emmanuel Opio, a political aspirant for the Erute North Parliamentary seat, has donated 60,000 cocoa seedlings to local farmers. 

This initiative aims to empower residents and enhance their agricultural productivity, contributing to the overall development of the region.

The event took place at Agweng Parents Nursery & Primary School attended by prominent Lira District leaders, including the Rt. Rev. Professor Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese. 

During the occasion, Maj. Opio emphasized the considerable benefits of cultivating cocoa and coffee, highlighting their potential to transform the economic landscape of Erute north.

“The seedlings are not just given to land on rocky ground; the majority of the beneficiaries participated in training last year to learn about proper crop management,” Opio explained. 

"If we invest in agriculture, Africa will no longer be dependent. Instead, we will possess the strength to economically influence the Western world," he declared, positioning agriculture as a pivotal catalyst for economic independence.

According to Major Rtd Opio, this initiative is rolling for three years and it will run in three phases, the 2nd phase will be in may, 3rd phase in July.

As he seeks the Erute North parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2026 elections, Maj. Opio expressed his aspirations to also become the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. He urged his constituents to rally around his leadership candidacy, stressing that the community deserves representatives who prioritize sustainable development.

“A community that fails to send capable leaders to office only prolongs its own suffering. I’m here to ensure our voices are heard in Parliament, and together we will advocate for development initiatives that matter to our people,” he stated.

Bishop Olwa, in his remarks, reinforced the importance of hard work, linking it to spiritual teachings. “God is a working God, and when we refuse to work, we go against His will,” he stated, drawing connections between the Easter season’s themes of renewal and the effort required in agricultural endeavors. He encouraged the community to take action in their own lives, promising to lead by example by personally planting cocoa and coffee seedlings.

“I will not just preach; I will also plant. Let us move from words to action,” Bishop Olwa urged, inspiring those present to embrace agricultural productivity as a means of community upliftment.

Opio also highlighted that the cultivation of these crops extends beyond mere economic gain. “These crops are not just about money—they are about decolonizing our economy,” he posited, advocating for local empowerment and control over agricultural resources.

The atmosphere at the event was vibrant, with hundreds of farmers and community members attending. Many of them left not only with seedlings but also with a renewed determination to engage in agribusiness and uplift their community. 

The initiative has sparked hope and a collective commitment to fight poverty through agriculture, as both leaders emphasized that escaping poverty requires consistent hard work. “Poverty is not God’s plan for His people,” Bishop Olwa declared, inviting all to partake in this transformative journey. 

As this initiative unfolds, Maj. Rtd Emmanuel Opio’s leadership and vision for agricultural development may reshape the economic future of Erute North, fostering resilience and self-reliance in the community.

RDC of Lira District, Lillian Eyal praised Major Rtd Opio for supporting the community even when he is still not elected as leader.

She rallied support for him urging that such dedicated figure once elected can bring development to the community. 

Currently, Major. Rtd Opio and his dedicated wife, Gloria Opio are helping community to revive their dreams of becoming rich.