Eng. Tiyo Pledges Support for Village Savings Groups, Promote Skills Training in Ayivu East
Eng. Tiyo while addressing one of his rallies in Ombaci ward on Saturday
ARUA CITY – Eng. William Tiyo Odaa, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary flag bearer for Ayivu East Division, has pledged to support village savings and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs) and promote skills training for residents if elected to Parliament.
Tiyo expressed confidence that empowering women through SACCOs and equipping youths with vocational skills will transform lives in Ayivu East.
“If God grants me the opportunity, I know there are existing saving groups in your various cells. I will inject funds into these groups,” Tiyo said during his campaign rally in Ombaci ward on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
He emphasized that he will not establish new SACCOs where they already exist but will instead provide additional capital to strengthen established groups for greater economic growth.
“I know the support I will give through your saving groups will benefit even the unborn babies,” Tiyo told the cheering crowd. He added that funding SACCOs is more sustainable than the Shs 2,000 handouts some politicians distribute during campaigns, which leave people struggling for the next five years.
“When I find a group called Osoru, I won’t open another one but support it. If another is called Ocemaceni, I will support it too. As the saying goes, when it rains and you want to light a fire, the old stove catches fire faster than a new one,” Tiyo explained.
Tiyo highlighted government initiatives offering skills training at Arua Technical Institute Ragem and Ora Technical Institute in Zombo, which currently benefit youths from other areas.
“People blame our youths for idling on roadsides, but why aren’t they benefiting from these government programs in Ragem and Zombo?” he asked, prompting locals to respond in chorus that it is due to poor leadership.
He noted that these programs take just six months to train youths in fields like tailoring, welding, carpentry, and others, with graduates receiving start-up kits including tools.
“I’m sure our youths can also benefit if you elect me as your MP. Leaders in Arua City and elsewhere have used my personal lorry to transport youths to Zombo for training, and I always thought Ayivu East youths were included, only to realize they were not. Vote for me to ensure our youths gain from these initiatives,” Tiyo appealed.
He stressed that empowered youths can become self-reliant and support their families.
Tiyo plans to establish a skills training center in Ayivu East for greater local access.
He mentioned an ongoing project at Le Tshuba Hotel under the Mungufeni Foundation, where boda boda riders have received free helmets and 140 youths have been trained in tailoring and graduated.
Tiyo said that with adequate space in Ayivu East, the foundation will set up a dedicated center for youths and women.
In addition to these initiatives, Tiyo committed to improving access to clean water, health services, and education in Ayivu East if elected.