On Sunday, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Right Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, officiated the launch of the offices for former LC3 chairpersons of Busoga. These leaders, although unsuccessful in recent elections, remain politically active within the region.
In her remarks, Minister Kadaga commended the former chairpersons for their patience and dedication to the political landscape of Busoga, despite losing their elected positions. She praised their continued support for the President of Uganda, Busoga’s leadership, and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Kadaga encouraged them to maintain this positive attitude.
Kadaga also addressed the “Grow Cash” grant, a financial initiative aimed at empowering women’s councils across Uganda. She acknowledged that many women had found the collateral requirements too restrictive to access the funds. The Minister pledged to engage with the Cabinet to ease these conditions, ensuring that more women can benefit from the program. Additionally, she spoke about the need for an oxygen plant at Nakavule Hospital, mentioning that the government plans to elevate the hospital to referral status. Until this is done, she urged the use of Jinja Main Hospital’s oxygen plant to refill gas cylinders for Nakavule.
Kadaga expressed gratitude to the former chairpersons for their continued cooperation, even though they no longer hold official positions. She highlighted the fulfillment of a pledge by President Museveni, who provided 30 million shillings to each sub-county in Busoga. Kadaga also promised to liaise with the President to arrange a second meeting with the former chairpersons.
The Minister further praised Busoga for standing by her through difficult times, vowing to remain committed to the region and the country. To support the SACCO, Kadaga pledged an additional 10 million shillings to help sustain and promote its objectives.
At the same event, Iganga District Woman MP, Kauma Sauda Alibaawo, thanked Minister Kadaga for her special visit and for continuing to support NRM loyalists and political activists in Busoga, especially in their backing of President Museveni.
LC5 Chairman of Iganga, Gabula Ezra, thanked Kadaga for her unwavering commitment to Busoga, noting that despite her health challenges, she consistently advocates for the region’s development. He highlighted the Busoga Consortium and other programs initiated by Kadaga, which have significantly contributed to the region’s growth.
Various Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Assistant RDCs from Busoga, including Kato Dauda, Deputy RDC of Iganga District, Magezi Razzalo, Assistant RDC of Kamuli, and Ayubu Maganda, Assistant RDC of Iganga, also expressed their gratitude. Many of them were former LC3 chairpersons who had lost their seats in the recent elections. They thanked Minister Kadaga for continuing to uplift their ambitions by allowing them to serve in government. They also requested more opportunities for women to serve in leadership roles.
