Four Years On: MP Samuel Opio Acuti Reflects on Kole North Milestones
KOLE NORTH — As he marks four years in office, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, the Member of Parliament for Kole North, has taken stock of his work in the constituency—highlighting progress made in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and community empowerment.
A trained pharmacist and pharmacologist, Dr. Acuti has served in several leadership roles, including as Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Health Committee, Secretary General of the Lango Parliamentary Group, and Uganda’s representative to the ACP-EU Parliament.
Healthcare: Ambulances and Mental Health Outreach
In the health sector, Dr. Acuti has focused on expanding access and emergency services. He donated three ambulances, supported over 600 ambulance trips, and helped upgrade Ayara Health Centre II to Health Centre III. Another health facility in Okwerodot sub-county was established with government funding of about UGX 1 billion.
His outreach extended to mental health, a relatively underserved area, where he organized 45 medical camps, reaching more than 3,000 people.
Infrastructure: Roads and Connectivity
Poor roads remain a concern across many rural areas, and Kole North is no exception. Dr. Acuti cites lobbying efforts for major road projects, including the Lira–Kole–Kamdini and Rwenkunye–Apac–Lira–Puranga roads. He also personally funded grading of 20 kilometers and donated 251 culverts to improve access in remote areas.
Education and Skills Training
Dr. Acuti says improving schools has been a priority. He helped construct staff housing at Alito Primary School, distributed pre-mock exams to all government-aided schools, and secured iron sheets for roofing in several institutions.
Additionally, his team launched 9 skilling centers, offering training to over 800 youth, with more than 500 obtaining DIT certification—a step aimed at improving youth employability.
Agriculture and Livelihoods
In a district where most residents rely on farming, Dr. Acuti worked with other Kole MPs to lobby for walking tractors and crop insurance, with UGX 440 million paid out to over 1,500 farmers under the scheme. He also promoted chilli and hybrid maize farming as a path to commercial agriculture.
Water, Power, and Network Improvements
Access to clean water has been another focus area. He supported the repair of 116 boreholes and helped construct five spring wells. He also advocated for improved piped water schemes.
On connectivity, five new mobile network masts were installed in Kole North, significantly boosting communication. Electricity extension projects have also reached dozens of villages, with further expansion expected in the second phase.
Community Engagements and Welfare
Dr. Acuti reports holding over 100 community dialogues and helping address local concerns ranging from road maintenance to sports and religious support. His contributions include fundraising for church construction, supporting bereaved families, and helping resolve delayed pension claims.
He has also been active in Parliament, making over 100 submissions on issues affecting Kole North and participating in oversight missions that influenced government service delivery.
Looking Ahead
With general elections on the horizon, Dr. Acuti has declared his intention to seek a second term. While his track record reflects significant development interventions, voters in Kole North will ultimately decide if the progress achieved over the past four years aligns with their expectations for the future.
“Tute pi dongo Kobo kede lonyo pacu” — let’s continue rebuilding Kole with unity and purpose.
