By Alfred Opio
PALLISA — Residents of Apopong Sub-county in Pallisa District have praised district councilor-elect Ivan Omoding Koreta, popularly known as Rasta, for donating Shs 4 million to support the medical treatment of a 13-year-old orphaned girl suffering from a severe leg condition.
The beneficiary, Florence Akello, is a resident of Kapala A Village in Apopong Parish, Apopong Sub-county.
According to local leaders and family members, Florence had been battling a serious leg complication that required urgent surgery. However, as an orphan with limited family support, her chances of accessing specialized treatment appeared uncertain.
Residents said her condition had continued to worsen over time, leaving her in pain and struggling to walk properly.
Florence has since been taken to Mbale Orthopedic and Research Institute Limited, where she is expected to undergo surgery aimed at correcting the condition and restoring her mobility.
Speaking after making the donation, Rasta said he was moved by the young girl’s situation after learning that she lacked parental support.
“I felt pity for the young girl after hearing that she is an orphan and nobody else was helping her. As a leader and someone who cares for the community, I found it important to intervene and support her treatment,” Rasta said.
He emphasized that leaders should always stand with vulnerable people in society, especially children facing serious health challenges.
Rasta also encouraged fellow leaders and well-wishers to develop a culture of supporting those in need.
“Community transformation can only happen when people come together to help one another,” he added.
Residents of Apopong Sub-county commended the councilor-elect for what they described as a rare act of kindness and genuine leadership.
“This is a very big gesture. The girl was suffering and people had almost lost hope because there was no money for treatment. We appreciate Rasta for standing with this child,” one resident said.
Another resident described the support as life-changing, saying it had given Florence a second chance.
Community members also appealed to other leaders, organizations, and business people to support vulnerable children and families struggling with medical expenses and social challenges.
Local leaders expressed optimism that Florence’s surgery would be successful and urged residents to continue praying for her recovery.
Health workers at Mbale Orthopedic and Research Institute Limited are expected to carry out the operation and oversee her recovery process.
The donation has sparked renewed discussions in the community about compassion, collective responsibility, and the importance of supporting disadvantaged children and vulnerable families.
For Florence Akello, residents say the support has restored hope at a time when her future appeared uncertain.
