Elders from Aboloi Location in Ang’urai Division, Teso North Sub-County, Busia County, have endorsed Haggai Opollo to contest the Ang’urai South Ward MCA seat in the 2027 General Election.
The endorsement comes amid growing pressure from sections of the Busia electorate calling for the removal of all 35 sitting Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) over alleged failure to effectively execute their oversight mandate.
Speaking during a meeting held on Saturday at Mr. Opollo’s Kosenyi home in Aboloi, the elders and community leaders expressed concern over what they termed as decades of neglect by successive MCAs and the former local authority.
They cited poor road networks, lack of clean water, inadequate health facilities, and dilapidated school infrastructure—especially ECDE centres—as persistent challenges facing residents.
The elders singled out former Deputy Speaker Moses Ote as the only MCA who made visible efforts to open roads in Aboloi but noted that the ward still requires more comprehensive development interventions. They
were unanimous that after over 30 years of supporting candidates from Katakwa and Kakapel locations, the time has come for Aboloi to produce an MCA.
They accused the incumbent MCA, Joseph Eseme, of failing to deliver on his mandate and betraying the trust of the electorate.
The elders further faulted the current MCA for publicly complaining about the governor, noting that MCAs possess the constitutional mandate to initiate impeachment motions against the governor and members of the County Executive, should circumstances warrant.
Reflecting on leadership history, the elders recalled former MCAs and councillors, including the late Stephen Emachar, Moses Ote, Grace Olita, and the incumbent Joseph Eseme. They also noted that the only Aboloi resident to have served as a councillor in the defunct Busia County Council was Mama Leah Amke, a career teacher who was nominated.
Calling for unity, the elders emphasized that previous Aboloi aspirants failed largely due to internal divisions. They cited past attempts by the late Gideon Inyama, late education officer Jared Elung’ata, his brother the late retired Magistrate Tom Nyapara Opuru, and retired BAT leaf technician Alloys Emeje. They expressed
optimism that unity would prevail this time round across Aboloi and the entire Ang’urai South Ward.
While accepting the endorsement and prayers, Haggai Opollo, a Gen Z aspirant and experienced landscaper, thanked the elders and residents for the confidence shown in him. He pledged not to let down the people of Ang’urai South Ward.
Opollo highlighted challenges facing the ward, including selective electricity connections, poor roads, neglected health facilities, biased bursary allocation, food insecurity, and rising youth unemployment, which he linked to increased petty crime and drug abuse.
He urged residents—especially the youth—to register as voters, emphasizing that a voter’s card is the most powerful tool for electing accountable leadership at both county and national levels.
Meanwhile, during a burial ceremony on Friday at Osuret Village, Machakusi in Teso South, former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong accused MCAs for failing the Busia County residents and neglecting their oversight roles.
Earlier, Bukhayo North/Walatsi MCA Gardy Jakaa urged voters to reject all MCAs serving in the 3rd Assembly, stating that they had failed to deliver. Jakaa observed that MCAs were unable to impeach County Executive Committee members despite what he termed as sufficient grounds.
However, Malaba South MCA Boniface Mamai acknowledged the challenges within the Assembly, admitting that impeaching the governor and CEC members has been extremely difficult.
The public admission by MCAs of their shortcomings is expected to trigger increased political competition, with more aspirants likely to emerge across all 35 wards in Busia County ahead of the 2027 polls.
Photo caption:
Haggai Opollo
