Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has urged leaders and residents of Bukedi sub-region to unite behind President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), citing his steady leadership, peace, and development record.
Speaking during the launch of NRM flagbearers’ campaigns at Kadama Primary School in Kibuku District, Ms Among said President Museveni remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s stability and economic progress.
‘President Museveni has been a pillar of peace and progress for our country,’ she told cheering supporters. ‘It is now our duty as Bukedi to stand firm with him and ensure continuity of the development programs that are transforming our communities.’
She highlighted NRM’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and poverty eradication through government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, urging residents to embrace them to lift their households out of poverty.
Ms Among said the government remains focused on service delivery and improving livelihoods, but citizens must play their part through unity and active participation in national programs.
Defends stance on Anti-Homosexuality Act
The Speaker also addressed criticism from Western countries over Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, saying she was proud to stand with Ugandans on protecting cultural and family values.
‘Most people and those from Western governments hate me because I stood with the people of Uganda,’ she said. ‘They wanted us to abandon our culture and embrace practices that go against our beliefs, but we said no.’
Quoting scripture, she added, ‘The Bible is clear, it says people should produce and multiply. The President signed the law to protect our culture. Some countries like America placed travel bans, but I don’t need a visa to travel to Kibuku.’
Ms Among commended President Museveni for signing the law despite international pressure, saying it reflected his ‘love for the people of Uganda’ and his commitment to moral values.
Calls for unity, strong leadership
Ms Among encouraged residents to support all NRM flagbearers and likened leadership teamwork to ‘ploughing with strong bulls.’
‘We have the responsibility to support all the flagbearers, including President Museveni. You cannot progress if your leaders are divided,’ she said. ‘Kibuku’s hope lies with these leaders. Support them so they can deliver.’
She cited Bukedea District as an example of transformation through focused leadership and urged Bukedi to follow suit.
‘I am happy that you are voting for leaders with focus,’ she said.
Development commitments
The Speaker pledged to follow up on efforts to revive Bulangira Ginnery to create jobs for youth and improve the local economy. She also reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring each county has a Health Centre IV, and every parish has a primary school.
On education, Ms Among revealed that the high rate of school dropouts, especially among girls, inspired her to start a school to support girl-child education.
‘It’s from this background that I had to set up a school to address school dropout, especially among girls,’ she said. She also pledged two full bursaries for bright but underprivileged students from Kibuku District.
Local leaders pledge support
NRM flagbearers in Bukedi pledged their loyalty to President Museveni and the party.
Mr Patrick Wakida, NRM flagbearer for Kabweri County, hailed Ms Among as a strong mobilizer who continues to strengthen the NRM from the grassroots.
‘As people of Kibuku, we pledge continued loyalty to President Museveni’s leadership and the NRM’s vision for socio-economic transformation,’ he said.
He also decried the high poverty levels in the district, saying many residents live in a ‘hand-to-mouth’ cycle due to poor service delivery.
‘Despite these challenges, the people of Kibuku will vote overwhelmingly for NRM and President Museveni, with over 98 percent support,’ Mr Wakida said confidently.
Ms Suubi Sylvia Katooko, NRM flagbearer for Kibuku Woman MP seat, raised concern over poor maternal health and rising teenage pregnancies.
‘Child mothers in the district are so many, some girls give birth at the age of 13. It’s a big challenge that needs urgent intervention,’ she said.
Other leaders at the event included Mr Mohammad Nakeba (LC5 Chairperson) and Mr Charles Tamwenya (Kibuku County), who also pledged their commitment to ensuring an NRM victory in 2026.