Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, has strongly advocated for quality education as the cornerstone of socio-economic development, particularly in the rural communities of the Busoga region. Her remarks came during the recent inauguration of the Tom Mullaney Boys Dormitory at St. Atanansi Junior School in Nakasedhere Village, Luuka District, a project spearheaded by the faith-based Atanansi Community Based Organization (CBO).
Kadaga lauded the efforts of the Atanansi CBO, recognizing their significant contribution to improving the lives of local residents. She shared a personal anecdote, recalling a conversation she had that underscored the importance of such initiatives.
“While participating in the Twegaite International Conference in the US, I had a conversation with Fr. Jenga about the importance of prioritizing the education of our children, particularly in the rural areas of Busoga. I was unaware at that time that he was tirelessly collaborating with his friends to advocate for the creation of the current model school, which now serves 550 pupils in the region,” Kadaga noted, praising the dedication behind the school’s establishment.
The Atanansi Community Based Organization in Luuka District is dedicated to a holistic approach to community upliftment. Their programs and partnerships emphasize education, economic empowerment, spiritual pastoral care, and healthcare access for financially struggling areas. Fr. Dr. Fred Jenga, one of the leaders of the Atanansi CBO, articulated the organization’s guiding principle: “The Christian faith encourages those who have been fortunate to have access, influence, or resources to assist those who are still in need. The Atanansi CBO acts as a means to live out the values of faith by supporting those who are in significant need.”
Beyond her commendation for educational initiatives, Kadaga demonstrated her commitment to broader community development by addressing local concerns. She pledged to follow up on the urgent repairs needed for the Kyanvuma-Nakasedere-Nawampiti road, a crucial link for the school and surrounding communities, as brought to her attention by the local LC1 Chairperson and other leaders. Furthermore, responding to a request from Fr. Gerald Muto, the Jinja Diocesan Chancellor and the day’s main celebrant, Kadaga assured that she would pursue commitments made by President Museveni to the Diocese of Jinja during the recent annual Bugonza Pilgrimage event in Kaliro District.
The significant public event drew a diverse array of dignitaries, including local clergy from the Diocese of Jinja and international guests from the United States, such as Nancy Harvey, Erin Harvey, Magela Justin, and Diann Ruholl, underscoring the collaborative spirit behind the initiative.
A testament to the CBO’s comprehensive development strategy was the showcase by the Atanansi Women’s Association. Comprising 132 members, the association displayed an impressive range of empowerment initiatives, including crafts, tailoring, liquid and bar-soap production, hairdressing, and robust village savings programs. This aligns seamlessly with Right Honorable Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga’s well-known national advocacy for women’s issues.
The inauguration event not only marked a significant milestone for St. Atanansi Junior School but also reinforced the message that collaborative efforts, particularly those championed by leaders like Kadaga and driven by faith-based organizations, are vital for fostering sustainable socio-economic growth in Uganda’s rural areas.
