DOKOLO, UGANDA — The Woman Member of Parliament for Dokolo District, Hon. Sarah Aguti Nyangkori, has launched a large-scale pine seedling distribution programme across seven sub-counties and town councils, positioning the initiative as a dual strategy to combat household poverty and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The beneficiary areas include Adeknino, Adok, Kangai Sub-county, Amwoma, Kangai Town Council, Agwata Sub-county, and Agwata Town Council. The exercise, which is still ongoing, forms part of the legislator’s broader poverty alleviation agenda aimed at creating long-term income sources for her constituents .
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Aguti emphasized that the pine trees are intended to serve as a practical investment for families. She noted that Dokolo, like much of the Lango Sub-region, is experiencing unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells, making household-level tree planting a critical adaptation strategy.
“Tree planting is not just about income, it is about protecting our environment for our children and fighting the climate crisis that is affecting our gardens and livelihoods,” Aguti stated . The MP explained that pine trees can provide families with a sustainable source of income while simultaneously restoring degraded land and reducing pressure on natural forests.
The initiative aligns with Aguti’s track record of direct community intervention since assuming office in April 2024. Her tenure has been marked by visible infrastructure lobbying—most notably the revival of the stalled Amodo swamp bridge project in March 2026—and targeted education support, including the awarding of scholastic materials to top Primary Leaving Examination performers .
Addressing concerns regarding the pace of distribution, Aguti urged residents who have not yet received seedlings to remain patient, assuring them that the programme is designed to reach all communities across the district. She also used the occasion to respond to what she described as smear campaigns and propaganda, advising residents to ignore “cheap propaganda and self-seekers.”
“I will work for the interests of the people who elected me, not some people,” she said, reiterating her commitment to service delivery over political distractions .
The initiative has garnered support from local religious and community leaders. Rev. Charles Olya, a resident of Adok Sub-county and beneficiary, cautioned against sabotaging development projects brought by leaders. He called for an end to unnecessary political conflicts, urging leaders to work together to promote meaningful development and climate-smart initiatives .
Residents who received the seedlings expressed optimism about the economic potential of the programme. Etwop Thomas, a resident of Amun Amun village, described the distribution as timely and confirmed that beneficiaries intend to plant the seedlings. Other beneficiaries, including Washington Odora, Shara Oluma, and Evalyne Otim, welcomed the initiative, noting that it would help households develop alternative income sources and contribute to environmental conservation .
Aguti, who won the March 2024 by-election following the death of the late Cecilia Ogwal, has positioned herself as a hands-on legislator focused on tangible deliverables. While her poverty alleviation efforts have generally been welcomed, the tree seedling programme has not been universally embraced. A separate report indicated that a section of UPC delegates in Ayuni Ward, Kangai Town Council, rejected the seedlings, claiming they had expected livestock instead. Aguti denied ever promising goats or chickens, maintaining that the seedlings are part of a climate change response and that a second batch is expected in March 2027 .
Despite the isolated friction, the broader distribution exercise underscores Aguti’s strategy of utilizing environmental conservation as a vehicle for economic empowerment in a district where agriculture remains the primary livelihood. The programme is expected to continue until all sub-counties and town councils in Dokolo have been reached .
