By Aggrey Baba
President Yoweri Museveni has re-emphasized the importance of wealth and job creation as the foundation of Uganda’s transformation agenda, using the example of Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among’s initiatives in Bukedea.
In a message posted on his official X account on Friday, Museveni said Uganda’s development must begin with individuals and leaders taking practical steps to create jobs, generate income, and offer services within their communities, crediting Among with adopting this approach and delivering tangible impact in Teso.
“She is therefore doing three things: creating wealth, creating jobs, and providing a service,” Museveni said in the post commending the speaker for the visionary leadership in transforming her people.
The remarks followed a thanksgiving event held in Bukedea District, hosted by Among and attended by a wide range of guests from across the country, where Museveni was the chief guest. He later shared reflections on his initial interaction with the Speaker, including her long political journey and development initiatives.
Museveni said that Among had previously belonged to the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), but connected with him in 2016 and showed an eagerness to understand his message of socio-economic transformation.
“She spent quite some time in FDC, but in 2016, she linked up with me, and I invited her to Kisozi, as I often do with many leaders. But only a few learn quickly, and Anita is one of them,” the President wrote.
He explained that after offering her support and guidance, Among ventured into farming and education as productive enterprises. According to him, she now owns farms and schools that employ over 160 people combined.
“She asked me questions, I gave her some support, and now she is a big rancher. She owns schools and farms and now employs 52 people on the farms and 110 in the schools,” Museveni noted.
The thanksgiving ceremony drew large crowds in Bukedea Town, where guests gathered to mark what was described by organisers as a celebration of faith, leadership, and community impact.
Museveni, in a goodwill message to the people of Bukedea, described them as beneficiaries of a leader who has embraced development-focused politics.
“I thank her and wish all our people of Bukedea good luck!” he wrote.
The President’s remarks come at a time when government is pushing for implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other local-level economic initiatives, and by citing Among’s work as a practical example of what leaders can do, Museveni appeared to be reinforcing his call for all politicians to take up active roles in local economic transformation. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
