Africa-Press – Uganda. Vice President Jessica Alupo has called on parents in Arua district to prioritise their children’s education by leveraging the prevailing peace and security across the country.
Speaking during a fundraising ceremony for the construction of Irshad Mosque in Arua Central Division, Arua City, Alupo emphasized the need for inclusive education for all children, including those with physical and mental disabilities, without any form of discrimination.
The VP, who was invited by Jackson Atima, the Member of parliament for Arua Central Division, assured the public of the government’s continued commitment to providing free Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education.
She urged parents to support this initiative by providing necessary scholastic materials such as uniforms, pens, and books, and ensuring children have access to midday meals.
Alupo also cautioned schools against imposing illegal fees or chasing learners away, emphasizing that the government is working to address challenges such as inadequate staffing shortage of classrooms, and insufficient staff accommodation.
Beyond education, the Vice President encouraged the public to prioritise health check-ups, ensure child vaccinations, and actively engage in agriculture to bolster food security.
She advocated for the consumption of traditional foods, highlighting their nutritional and medicinal benefits.
Alupo further urged the people of Arua and West Nile to embrace government programs like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, the Women Fund, and Youth Livelihood programs, and called on the youth to heed the guidance of elders.
Referring to the newly commissioned 289-kilometer Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua 132KV Transmission Line, Alupo encouraged residents to take advantage of the improved power supply to establish factories and industries, thus creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
“The government has always prioritized the energy sector. I call on you to seize the opportunity to establish factories and industries to consume this electricity and create jobs for our people,” Alupo said.
On the political front, she urged aspirants for elective positions to embrace mature politics and avoid vulgar language, assuring the people of a free, fair, and peaceful general election.
She reiterated that healthy competition is essential for any democracy.
During the event, Alupo, who also serves as the Woman MP for Katakwi District, donated Shs 10 million towards the construction of the Irshad Mosque.
According to site engineers, the mosque’s prayer hall construction has reached 20% completion, while the commercial section is at 60%.
The overall project, expected to cost Shs1.03 billion, is currently at the walling stage.
State Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Kania Obiga, also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the prevailing peace, noting that such religious and community developments are only possible in a peaceful environment.
He contributed Shs2 million towards the mosque project.
Atima thanked the Vice President for honoring his invitation and lauded her consistent support for religious activities across the country.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by the Muslim community in Arua, including overcrowding at mosques, which sometimes forces worshippers to pray on roadside tarmacs.
Atima contributed Shs40 million towards the construction, which, upon completion, will feature prayer halls on the ground and first floors, with office spaces situated in additional structures.
Meanwhile, the 2nd Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammed Bukenya, applauded the Alupo’s closeness to the Muslim community and commended President Museveni for his support of religious leaders.
On behalf of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Bukenya donated Shs5 million towards the Irshad Mosque construction.
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