Politicians clash as Lord Adimola is laid to rest

The politicians attacked each other over government failures and achievements.

Gulu

Political leaders from Acholi Sub-region clashed at the burial of Lord Andrew Adimola on Friday over poor services delivery across the country.

While the opposition leaders blamed the bad state of roads, poor delivery of healthcare and poor quality of education on government, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah blamed these on the parents and community.

First to heap blame on government was DP leader Norbert Mao. “Which people are going to replace the likes of late Lord Adimola, a former diplomat, scholar, senior civil servant and respected politician when our education system can take us nowhere,” queried Mr Mao, adding that the earlier standard that produced quality no longer exists, a trend, according to him, must be fought.

“Our leaders today no longer have books in their shelves but tribes of all drinks and newspapers,” he said.
His concerns were re-echoed by Uganda Peoples Congress party president Olara Otunnu, who said the current government does not prioritise social service as a vital sector and called for a change of government.
“Big schools used to shine even from up-country, people used to go to Ombaci [St. Joseph’s] among other schools, but not any more now,” said Mr Otunnu, amidst ululation from mourners.

Mr Oulanyah, who belongs to the ruling NRM party, lashed out at the critics, blaming the degeneration of the education standards on parents.

“Last week alone, about 200 children were chased away from Odek Primary School because their parents cannot raise Shs500 demanded by the school, who really should we blame, the parents or the government?” he asked. He urged the opposition leaders to refocus their energies on government achievements.

But the opposition were not done, Gulu District boss Martin Ojara Mapenduzi joined, attacking the government for only issuing eulogising statements and paying little attention to the well-being of elders who made critical contributions to the country.

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