President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni made a high profile visit to Bukedea district on Friday 27th to attend the Thanksgiving ceremony of the RT. Hon Anita Annet Among , the speaker of the parliament in a colourful event that drew thousands of jubilant residents, political leaders, religious figures and dignitaries across the country.

The Thanksgiving ceremony held at the Bukedea district Headquarters was organised to give thanks for the speakers continued leadership and service as well as celebrate recent milestones in her personal and political journey .

Speaking as Chief guest, President Museveni commended the RT. Hon speaker for her visionary leadership in transforming lives though job creation, wealth generation and service delivery in Teso Subregion.

The President also celebrated the speakers journey from opposition politics to national transformation under the National Resistance Movement.

"Anita Among has started creating jobs . She spent quite sometime 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 have her some support and now she is a big rancher . She owns schools and farms . She told me that she employs 52 people on her farm 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 said.

The President during his visit commissioned Bukedea Comprehensive School , Northern Campus and held a symbolic tree planting exercise. He also officially launched the Bukedea District NRM offices.

Addressing thousands of supporters, President. Museveni emphasised six fundamental pillars that will form the core of the NRMs 2026-2031 manifesto. These include Peace, Development, Jobs , Services , Wealth and Markets.

The President thanked the people of Teso and Ugandans nationwide for endorsing his leadership as NRM Chairman and Flag bearer which acknowledges their unwavering support.

"I great you , the people of Teso . I thank you for supporting the NRM and for enforcing my name . I also thanks my daughter, RT Hon Anita Among , for her active participation in NRM politics and the development of the 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 will find poverty right next to development. Roads alone don't create wealth . The leaders must explain this to the masses that 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 welcome you back." He cautioned .

President Museveni also dispelled the myth that jobs can only be found in public sector .

"Government jobs are few ; only 480,000 according to UBOS , 1.4million people are employed in factories, 3.6million in agriculture, 5 million in services and 46,000 in ICT. The private sector offers far more jobs" he said

President Museveni also expressed the NRM 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 . Immunisation is another government service that has succeeded , 13 vaccines including the one for girls aged 9 to 14 prevent cervical cancer." he said. He urged parents to utilise these services.

Additional, the president emphasised on 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. Thats why we advocate for East African integration . Patriotism is good but Pan Africanism is necessary for prosperity.

On the issue of compensation and fisheries , the president also promised to engage elders and local leaders on keys concerns , including cattle compensation and fisheries.

"We are spending alot of money 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 was to discuss it with your elders and your leaders " he said

The Rt Hon Among paid a 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 the President as a vessel of progress .

"Your Excellency the President, thank you for everything you have done for me and the people of Bukedea," Speaker Among said .

"We invited you here today simply to express our gratitude for all that the Lord has done through you and for the blessings he has bestowed upon us all .

The Thanksgiving attracted thousands of locals, religious and political leaders are well as government officials including, the Chief Justice,His Lordship Alfonse Owing- Dollo , the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa among others