Returning home to help by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday September 21, 2017 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insidehalton.com The staff of You'nique Oakville has relocated to A Canadian lawyer, recently elected to parliament in his native Uganda, spoke about the importance of helping others in a recent speech in Oakville. Edward Makmot Otto, MP for Northern Uganda's Agago County, was guest speaker at a meeting of the Oakville Trafalgar Rotary Club at Le Dome Sept. 7. Otto began by describing the rocky circumstances in which he came to Canada. As a child he was forced to flee his home by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group that terrorized the Northern Ugandan countryside for 30 years in a conflict that has yet to be resolved. Like all children, Otto faced possible kidnapping and recruitment as a child soldier. To prevent this, he left Agago County for the Ugandan capital of Kampala. He later attended Kampala's Makerere University law school The Hon. Edward Otto, Member of Parliament, Agago County, Northern Uganda | David Lea/Metroland before moving to Canada and attending law school at the University of Toronto. Otto had two children in Canada and established his own law firm, but said he was drawn back to Uganda by a desire to assist. "I was helped throughout my journey and this is part of the reason I feel I need to help. Without being helped I wouldn't be where I am today." Otto figured politics was one area where he might be able to make a difference and in 2015 he ran as an independent and won the parliamentary seat for Agago County. He said the East African nation is facing major problems in areas like health care and education. "Kids are dropping out of school because they cannot afford $200 in fees for a term. There are three terms in a year so that's $600 they have to pay," said Otto. He said the country could also benefit from advancements in farming. "They are still using the hoe," said Otto. "Last time I went to Ottawa I visited a museum and saw the hoe was part of that museum." One project he has undertaken is setting up a radio station, using his own salary, to try to change the mindset of the people, to get them to take a more active role in arriving at a more sustainable future. see Accountability on p.23 Intermezzo Hair Studio · Balayage · Highlights · Colour Experts · Extensions · Keratin Treatment Tues & Wed 15% OFF any Chemical Service with Select Stylists Open Tuesday-Saturday 82 NelsoN st · inTermezzOhair.COm inTermezzOhair.CO · 905-825-2840 Since 1967 upholstery & design www.baiers.ca Booking NOW for CHriSTmaS DELiVErY! High quality new upholstered & reupholstered furniture.Call us for an appointment & choose from one of our many collections of designer fabrics. By Appointment only Sofas · Chairs · Headboards · Throw Pillows · Patio Cushions 11-2345 Wyecroft Road, Oakville · 905.616.3156 · info@baiers.ca Feast this fall WITH PUSATERI'S THANKSGIVING CROWD PLEASERS Let us prepare or provide world-class ingredients for your meal. I di didn't dn't e expect xpect to bring Bella with me. At Amica you can expect premium amenities and personalized service with a range of care options. You can even bring your pet. Independent Living · Assisted Living Book a visit to learn about our enhanced care and support options. RioCan Oakville Place 240 Leighland Avenue pusateris.com Mature Lifestyles Amica at Oakville 160 Bronte Road 905-842-8167 amica.ca/oakville