MP Hopeful NRM's Nekyon Isaac Odongo Pledges Improved Education and Youth Empowerment in Apac Municipality

NRM's Odongo Pledges Education Overhaul and Youth Empowerment in Apac Municipality 

APAC, UGANDA – Alarming school dropout rates and widespread youth unemployment have become central issues in the Apac Municipality parliamentary race, with NRM candidate Isaac Nekyon Odongo positioning himself as the agent of change to break the cycle of opposition rule.

Recent data from local education offices indicates that over 40% of children in the municipality do not complete their secondary education. This crisis is compounded by a large population of unemployed youth, many of whom lack the formal academic qualifications required for the competitive job market. Stakeholders attribute the problem to a trifecta of challenges: pervasive poverty, a lack of parental and community involvement in education, and policy gaps that fail to address local realities.

In response, Isaac Nekyon Odongo, the NRM flag-bearer, has made educational reform and economic empowerment the cornerstone of his campaign. While addressing a rally in one of the municipality's divisions, Odongo, who shared his own story of rising from a humble background, outlined a comprehensive plan to tackle the issue.

"My own journey was not easy. I understand the sting of lacking school fees and the frustration of seeing potential go to waste," Odongo stated. "That is why my first priority in Parliament will be to launch a three-pronged attack on this problem."

Odongo’s proposed solutions include: 

1. Infrastructural Revitalization:

 Committing to improve the physical state of schools, including the construction of new classrooms, libraries, and science laboratories to create a conducive learning environment.

2. Vocational Skills Promotion:

 Establishing partnerships with technical institutions to introduce robust vocational training programs in fields like carpentry, tailoring, agribusiness, and information technology. This initiative aims to equip youth with practical, marketable skills even if they do not pursue university education.

3. Community Financial Empowerment:

 Launching a dedicated effort to connect local entrepreneurs and parents with existing government wealth-creation programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. He argues that when household incomes are stable, children are less likely to be pulled out of school for financial reasons.

"An empowered community can educate its children. When we lift the financial burden from families, no child will be forced to stay at home," Odongo asserted.

The NRM candidate is enjoying significant momentum in the race, which he attributes to his direct connection to the ruling party. A key part of his agenda is to act as a strong bridge between Apac Municipality and the central government.

"For years, Apac has lagged behind in development because we have elected representatives with no lobbying power in Kampala," Odongo claimed. "I will use my position within the NRM to ensure our municipality directly benefits from national programs and infrastructure projects."

His message has received a powerful endorsement from the highest level. Recently, during a campaign stop in Apac, NRM Presidential candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni urged voters to elect "strong NRM leaders" like Odongo, Betty Engola, and Benard Otim Odoc, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the ruling party for effective service delivery.

The political landscape appears favorable for Odongo. He is competing against two prominent opponents: Maxwell Akora of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) and Patrick Ocan, an independent candidate. However, a damaging rift between the opposition camps has fragmented their support base, creating a clear path for the NRM candidate.

Odongo is reportedly receiving overwhelming support from a broad coalition of youth, women, and voters across the demographic spectrum, who see in him the best chance to usher in a new era of development for Apac Municipality.