Nekesa Calls for Unity, Security and Wealth Creation at Busia Woman MP’s Thanksgiving

The NRM National Treasurer, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has called on leaders and residents of Busia District to embrace unity, strengthen community security and make effective use of government development programmes as a pathway to household and community transformation.

Nekesa made the call on Saturday, August 15, 2026, while addressing residents at Bukwekwe Primary School Grounds in Lumino Town Council, Busia District, during the thanksgiving and victory celebration for Busia District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Anyango Janet Hope Webby. The colourful gathering brought together residents, religious leaders, political leaders and government officials to celebrate Anyango’s victory and thank the electorate for entrusting her with the responsibility of representing Busia in Parliament.

Nekesa congratulated Hon. Anyango Janet Hope Webby upon her election and wished her a successful tour of duty as she undertakes her constitutional responsibilities as a Member of Parliament.

“Let us fight to develop as individuals and as a community”

In her message, Nekesa urged the people of Busia to move beyond political celebrations and concentrate on activities that improve household incomes and strengthen the economic wellbeing of communities.

“Let us fight to develop as individuals and as a community,” Nekesa told the gathering, emphasizing the need for residents to take advantage of available government programmes rather than remain trapped in poverty.

She challenged leaders at all levels—from villages and parishes to districts—to take a more active role in sensitizing communities about government financing programmes and ensuring that intended beneficiaries understand how to access and utilize the opportunities.

Nekesa particularly highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and GROW programmes, which she said can play an important role in supporting people to increase household incomes and improve their livelihoods.

According to Nekesa, government programmes can only achieve their intended purpose when communities are properly informed about them and beneficiaries are supported to use the resources productively.

She therefore called upon local leaders to become effective mobilizers and educators, ensuring that information about government programmes reaches ordinary citizens, particularly those at the grassroots.

Security is essential for wealth creation

Nekesa also linked community security to economic development, warning that residents cannot accumulate wealth when their property and investments are constantly threatened by theft.

She challenged village Local Council leaders and local defence committees to strengthen night security and work closely with communities to protect residents and their property.

Of particular concern, she said, was the need to safeguard livestock projects supported through PDM from rural theft.

Nekesa urged local leaders to take responsibility for community security and ensure that livestock and other assets acquired through government programmes are protected so that beneficiaries can continue building sustainable livelihoods.

Her message placed responsibility not only on security agencies but also on local communities, leaders and defence structures to remain vigilant and protect development investments.

A call for leaders to serve the people

The NRM National Treasurer further encouraged leaders to work together and focus on delivering tangible services to the population.

She emphasized that political leadership should ultimately translate into improved livelihoods, better access to services and greater economic opportunities for ordinary citizens.

Her remarks came at a time when local leaders in Busia were emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and a coordinated approach to development.

Nekesa's message therefore went beyond congratulating the newly elected Woman MP. She used the occasion to remind leaders that electoral victories come with responsibilities to the people who entrusted them with public office.

Anyango pledges to champion health services

In her remarks, Hon. Anyango Janet Hope Webby said she had already visited 10 hospitals as part of her efforts to understand the challenges affecting the health sector in the district.

She promised to use her position in Parliament to raise the concerns of the people of Busia and advocate for adequate health services.

The MP's commitment is in line with the core responsibilities of Members of Parliament, which include legislation, representation, approval of the national budget and oversight of government programmes.

By visiting health facilities and engaging communities, Anyango said she was seeking to better understand service delivery challenges and use the information to strengthen her representation of Busia.

Infrastructure and border concerns

The thanksgiving ceremony also provided an opportunity for leaders to address infrastructure and trade-related concerns affecting residents.

State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Julius Maganda, responded to concerns raised by retired Principal Judge James Ogoola regarding infrastructure in the area.

Maganda assured the gathering that construction of the Lumino-Mulwanda Road had been finalized, while efforts were also being made to address congestion affecting the border area.

The infrastructure discussion highlighted the importance of improved roads and efficient border operations in supporting trade and economic activity in Busia.

A new responsibility after victory

The celebration ultimately served both as a thanksgiving event and a reminder of the responsibilities that come with political office.

For Nekesa, the priorities are clear: communities must work together to create wealth, government programmes must reach their intended beneficiaries, and local leaders must take greater responsibility for sensitization and security.

Her message also reinforced the idea that development cannot be left entirely to government. Individuals, households, community leaders and elected representatives all have a role to play in transforming communities.

As Hon. Anyango Janet Hope Webby continues her term as Busia District Woman MP, Nekesa's words offered a broader challenge to the new leadership: to turn political support into meaningful service, protect community investments and empower residents to become economically self-reliant.

The gathering ended with congratulations to Anyango on her victory and renewed calls for unity among Busia's leaders as they work to advance development across the district.