President Yoweri Museveni has commended the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, for her visionary leadership in transforming lives through job creation, wealth generation and service delivery in the Teso sub-region.
Speaking during a grand thanksgiving ceremony held in her honour at Bukedea District Headquarters Grounds, President Museveni celebrated the Speaker’s journey from opposition politics to national transformation under the NRM.
“Anita Among has started creating jobs. She spent quite some time in the 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,” President Museveni said.
He revealed that after visiting his ranch, the Speaker was inspired to begin her own journey in commercial agriculture.
“She asked me questions, I gave her some support, and now she is a big rancher. She owns schools and farms. She told me she employs 52 people on the farms and 110 in the schools. She is now doing three things: creating wealth, creating jobs, and providing a service. As long as it is clean money not from corruption, God will be happy with you,” President Museveni affirmed.
The President earlier commissioned Bukedea College School Northern Campus and led a symbolic tree-planting exercise.
He also officially launched the Bukedea District NRM Office.
Addressing thousands of supporters, President Museveni emphasized six foundational pillars that will form the core of the NRM’s 2026–2031 Manifesto; Peace, Development, Jobs, Services, Wealth, and Markets.
President Museveni thanked the people of Teso and Ugandans nationwide for endorsing his leadership as NRM Chairman and flag bearer, acknowledging their unwavering support.
“I greet you, the people of Teso. I thank you for supporting the NRM and for endorsing my name. I also thank my daughter, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, for her active participation in NRM politics and the development of this country,” he said.
Peace Is Not Enough:
He reminded the public that while the NRM and UPDF had brought peace to Uganda particularly in regions like Teso, Lango, Acholi, and Sebei, peace alone was not enough.
“You still find poverty right next to development. Roads alone do not create wealth. You, the leaders, must explain this: development is for all of us, but poverty and wealth are personal. If you go back home and do nothing, the poverty you left behind will say ‘welcome back—we are still here,’” he cautioned.
He cited Mr. Joseph Ijara from Serere as a successful example.
“He started with just 2.5 acres in 2011 after hearing my speech on the Four-Acre Model. Today, from poultry and dairy, he earns over Shs 1 billion a year sh3m daily from eggs and 300 litres of milk a day,” he said.
President Museveni also dispelled the myth that jobs can only be found in the public sector.
“Government jobs are few; only 480,000. According to UBOS, 1.4 million people are employed in factories, 3.6 million in agriculture, 5 million in services, and 46,000 in ICT. The private sector offers far more jobs,” he said.
“People like Minister Fred Byamukama have listened to my advice and are now flourishing. He earns Shs 700 million annually from eggs and employs 26 people.”
President Museveni also reiterated the NRM’s commitment to reviving essential government services, particularly education and health.
“We want to insist on free education in government primary and secondary schools. I am already providing free education through the Presidential Skilling Hubs. Immunization is another government service that has succeeded, 13 vaccines, including the one for girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer,” he said.
He urged parents to utilize these services.
“Take your daughters for the cancer vaccine. Government services must work well.”
Additionally, President Museveni emphasized the need for regional markets to absorb Uganda’s growing production.
“Who buys all the cows, bananas, eggs, and factory products? The internal market is not enough. That’s why we advocate for East African and African integration. Patriotism is good—but Pan-Africanism is necessary for prosperity.”
On compensation and fisheries:
President Museveni also promised to engage elders and local leaders on key concerns, including cattle compensation and fisheries.
“We are spending a lot on compensation for cattle loss in Lango, Teso and Acholi but much of it is stolen by the people who are not entitled; that is why I want to discuss it with your elders and your leaders,” he said.
“The issue of fisheries is one I would like to discuss directly with the fishing communities. How many people can safely operate in the lake? Just like a stadium has limited capacity, some people must stay outside to avoid accidents. The lake cannot accommodate everyone. So, who should be in the lake, and why? What happened to the traditional fishermen? Where are they now? Because today, you find Congolese and Rwandans in the lake. What happened to our local fishermen?”
On her part, Rt. Hon. Among paid heartfelt tribute to the President for his instrumental role in transforming her personal journey and the socio-economic landscape of Bukedea District.
The Speaker described the event as a moment to honour God for using President Museveni as a vessel of progress.
“Your Excellency the President, thank you for everything you have done for me personally, and for the people of Bukedea,” Speaker Among said.
“We invited you here today simply to express our gratitude for all that God has done through you, and for the blessings He has bestowed upon us all.”
The thanksgiving ceremony attracted thousands of locals, religious and political leaders as well as government officials including; the Chief Justice, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement, among others.