Voters blast MP Aza for ‘abandoning’ Moyo while building multi-billion projects in Arua

AZA Plaza, a multi-billion four-storey commercial complex owned by West Moyo MP, Hon Alero Tom Aza in Arua City

Adjumani, Uganda: A section of voters in West Moyo County have accused their MP, Hon. Tom Aza, of self-greed and betrayal, alleging that despite serving them for 15 years, all his multimillion-shilling investments are based in Arua City, leaving Moyo Town Council looking neglected and economically stagnant.

Residents say it is disheartening that Moyo Town Council, gazetted at independence in 1962, has remained a shadow of its potential, with very limited modern business infrastructure, while the MP’s personal enterprises flourish outside the constituency he represents.

Businessman Robert Drichi of Laropi Town Council said Hon. Aza has not lived up to the expectations of promoting the welfare of the people who entrusted him with leadership.

“A leader should advance the interests of his people, but Hon. Aza has betrayed those who lifted him from a common man to an honourable position,” Drichi said.

He pointed to AZA Plaza, a multi-billion four-storey commercial complex along Adumi Road in Arua City, which houses Equity Bank on the ground floor and lodges on the upper floors. Another multi-storey structure opposite the Arua City Golf Course hosts offices and apartments.

AZA Plaza, a multi-billion four-storey commercial complex along Adumi Road in Arua City, which houses Equity Bank

Drichi further cited Nile High School in Odia, another Nile High branch in Ediofe, and Queens & Kings Primary School near the golf course, all owned by the MP, saying the businesses employ more than 100 workers and steadily grow Arua’s revenue base while West Moyo remains without comparable investments.

A Ma’di elder contrasted Aza’s record with past leaders who reinvested in the region. “Onama Felix Kenyi, a former MP and minister, invested heavily in Madi. He had farms in Lefori and Okangali, and built magnificent houses whose designs still inspire pride,” he said.

He added that former NRM-era leaders such as Hon. Agard Didi, Dr. Apiliga Moses and Hon. Baku Rafael all developed property in Moyo because they recognised their obligations to the people who elevated them.

Woman activist Joyce Adrupio said residents feel that Hon. Aza is benefitting from voters he does not invest in. “MP Aza is milking cows he has not fed. He survives on commercialised campaigns and sidelines informed urban elites who expect accountability,” she said.

Political observers in Moyo argue that in 15 years of representation, Aza has not delivered tangible development, aside from renovations of churches and mosques, which they describe as “cheap politics”.

They accuse him of avoiding programmes that bring direct household income and instead relying on distributing Shs 2,000 or Shs 3,000 handouts during visits, earning him the nickname pipi, meaning instant cash.

Residents also criticise his campaign messaging, which they say focuses more on his participation in East African Inter-Parliamentary Games and his proximity to senior figures such as the President and Speaker Anita Among, rather than constituency-based achievements.

Hon. Aza joined Parliament in 2011 after defeating Dr Apiliga Moses (UPC). Constituents now say the time has come for accountability on why West Moyo has not benefited from the scale of investments he has made elsewhere