(Oyam) – The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has stepped in to aid flood victims in Oyam District, delivering vital relief food supplies to help those affected by last year’s devastating floods. The donated relief package included 20 tonnes of maize flour and 10 tonnes of beans, intended to assist communities in four sub-counties: Abok, Otwal, Iceme, and Ngai.
On January 8, 2025, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Oyam South, oversaw the launch of the distribution at the District Council Hall. During the event, Amongi emphasized the need for rapid intervention in times of disaster. She urged the District Disaster Committee to act swiftly, stressing that delays in response often occur when reports from local committees are not promptly communicated. “When disaster occurs, try to go to the field yourself and analyze if something requires intervention. Immediately send a report because sometimes members of Parliament will raise it on the floor, then technical teams in the Prime Minister’s office have to start working backwards to request the district to send the report of the disaster committee, which delays intervention,” Amongi explained.
Benson Dila, the district LC5 chairman, praised the government’s efforts and emphasized that the relief must reach the intended beneficiaries. He called for the proper coordination of the distribution, urging officials to ensure that the most vulnerable households benefit from the aid. “Using the district disaster management committee report shared by the CAO together with a representative of the R.D.C, ensure that the most vulnerable households are not left out. Ensure that it reaches the beneficiaries as planned,” Dila said.
Geoffrey Ogwal, the Oyam District Community Development Officer, provided further details on the distribution, explaining that 792 families across the affected sub-counties would receive aid. Each family will be given 25.2 kg of maize flour and 12.6 kg of beans.
Philips Ogile, the LC3 chairperson for Abok Sub-county, also commended the government’s assistance and pledged to ensure the proper distribution of the relief items. “This relief is for only affected four villages, and it must reach them. Whoever will tamper, shall be dealt with accordingly without compromise,” Ogile assured.
