A section of voters in Otuke District has accused the district Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Susan Jolly Abeja, of failing to deliver on a widely publicized coffee-growing initiative, while raising concerns over the management of funds and agricultural resources intended to benefit local communities.
Speaking to this publication on condition of anonymity, several residents claimed that the legislator mobilized them to dig approximately 60,000 planting holes in preparation for a coffee-growing project. However, they allege that the promised coffee seedlings were never distributed, leaving them with empty planting pits and frustrated expectations.
“She asked us to dig planting holes for coffee, but the seedlings never came,” one resident said.
The disgruntled voters further accused the MP of taking credit for government-funded initiatives and presenting them as her personal achievements. They also alleged that she received Shs200 million from the government to coordinate the coffee-growing campaign in Otuke but failed to ensure the distribution of coffee seedlings to farmers who had already prepared their land.
The allegations also extend to the management of a government-provided tractor intended to support agricultural production in the district.
According to documents seen by this publication, the acquisition of the tractor was endorsed by Hon. Susan Abeja, fellow legislator Hon. Acan, and Eng. Asst. Commissioner Okanya Boniface of the Ministry of Agriculture. However, sources claim that Hon. Abeja later assumed exclusive control of the tractor, allegedly sidelining Hon. Acan and limiting public access to the equipment.
Separately, NRM chairpersons from all 14 sub-counties in Otuke have accused the MP of failing to fulfill promises made under a SACCO initiative.
According to the party officials, Hon. Abeja encouraged them to form a SACCO and contribute funds after assuring them that the President would provide matching financial support. They now allege that the contributions were diverted for other purposes, leaving the SACCO project unimplemented.
When contacted for comment, Hon. Abeja did not directly address the allegations. Instead, she referred this publication to what she described as guidance from higher authorities.
“On the issues of coffee, I have been directed by the Office of the President that whatever complaints about me, I should not mind,” she said.
Subsequent attempts to obtain further clarification were unsuccessful, as the MP did not respond to repeated phone calls by press time.
The accusations emerge at a time when the government is promoting coffee cultivation across Northern Uganda as part of broader efforts to increase household incomes and reduce poverty.
Recently, NRM Members of Parliament from the region, led by Regional Whip Tonny Ayo, launched a campaign in Otuke encouraging farmers to embrace perennial cash crops such as coffee. During the event, Hon. Abeja reportedly said the initiative was inspired by President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of transforming Northern Uganda’s economy and stated that she had personally raised coffee seedlings for distribution to farmers.
However, the latest allegations have raised questions among residents about the implementation of the project and the management of resources intended to support farmers.
The controversy also follows a recent State House meeting during which Hon. Abeja reportedly accused fellow Otuke MPs Paul Omara and Julius Acon Bua of undermining her coffee-growing initiatives and failing to support her politically.
During the same meeting, concerns were also reportedly raised over a government tractor allegedly being kept at the MP’s residence instead of being made available for community use—an allegation that residents say is consistent with their current complaints.
As of publication, the allegations remain unverified, and no official investigation or findings have been announced by the relevant authorities.
