Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo Urges Busia District Woman MP Janet Anyango to Remain Steadfast Amid Political Challenges

NRM National Treasurer and former Busia District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has urged the current Busia District Woman MP, Hon. Janet Hope Anyango, to remain steadfast in her leadership despite political challenges and criticism.

Nekesa, who served as Busia District Woman MP during the Ninth Parliament from 2011 to 2016, described Anyango as a leader who has earned the confidence of the people and encouraged her to continue serving them with resilience, humility and commitment.

In a message directed to Anyango, Nekesa offered words of wisdom, urging her to look at the people she leads with compassion and understanding, even in the face of political disagreements.

“Mama Anyango Janet. You are our Leader. And I'm sure you will remain that for a very long time.”

Nekesa further invoked the Christian teaching of forgiveness, drawing a comparison with the biblical account in which Jesus asked his Father to forgive those who crucified him, saying they did not fully understand what they were doing.

She encouraged Anyango to similarly exercise patience and forgiveness toward members of the community, particularly those who may have been influenced by political interests.

“Look at our people the same way Jesus told his father to forgive those who crucified him for they didn't know what they were doing.”

According to Nekesa, ordinary citizens can sometimes become caught up in political contests and may be influenced by individuals seeking to advance their own interests.

“Our people are victims of opportunists who take advantage of situations for their own political manipulation,” she said.

The former legislator's message comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Busia following the recent elections, in which Anyango emerged as the district's representative.

Nekesa's appeal therefore places emphasis not only on political leadership, but also on the responsibility of leaders to maintain unity and reconciliation among their constituents after electoral contests.

She urged Anyango not to be distracted by criticism or the challenges that may accompany public office, advising her to remain focused on her responsibilities to the people of Busia.

Nekesa also expressed confidence in the legitimacy of Anyango's leadership, telling her that she should remain firm because she did not “cheat” her way into leadership.

“God knows you didn't cheat your way to leadership therefore remain steadfast irrespective of what is thrown at you and God shall prolong your reign.”

The message is both a political endorsement and a call for perseverance, with Nekesa encouraging Anyango to view leadership as a long-term responsibility rather than merely an electoral victory.

Having previously occupied the same parliamentary position, Nekesa's counsel carries the perspective of a former legislator who understands the demands, pressures and political contestation that accompany representation of Busia District at national level.

Her appeal to forgiveness also points to the importance of reconciliation following elections. Political competition often creates divisions among communities, supporters and leaders, but elected representatives are ultimately expected to serve citizens regardless of their political affiliation.

For Anyango, Nekesa's message is therefore a reminder to place the interests of Busia people above political disagreements and to approach leadership with patience and resilience.

The NRM National Treasurer's intervention also highlights the continuing role of experienced political leaders in mentoring those currently holding public office. By sharing her experience and offering encouragement, Nekesa is urging the younger generation of leaders to remain committed to public service even when faced with criticism, opposition or political pressure.

As Busia moves beyond the recent electoral contest, the message from Nekesa could serve as a call for healing, unity and responsible leadership.

Her central appeal is for Anyango to remain focused, forgive where necessary, resist political distractions and continue serving the people with determination.

For Nekesa, leadership is not only about winning an election but also about enduring the pressures that follow victory and remaining committed to the people who entrusted a leader with their mandate.

With that message, the former Busia legislator has publicly reaffirmed her confidence in Anyango's leadership and urged her to stay the course, while trusting that her continued service to the people will strengthen her position as a leader in the district.