Members of Parliament Solomon Silwany (Bukhooli Central) and Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) have publicly lauded Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, attributing a significant surge in development projects within the Busoga sub-region to her ascent to top national leadership positions. The commendations, however, sparked an immediate clarification from the Speaker, who emphasized her national mandate.
The MPs pointed to the recent government decision to reopen Busoga University and the Parliamentary approval of a US$20 million (approximately UGX70.38 billion) loan for the rehabilitation of Bugiri General Hospital as key examples of development under Speaker Among’s watch.
Among currently holds prominent roles as Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the Central Executive Committee of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). She is also the District Woman MP for Bukedea district in Teso sub region.
“This is the second big achievement we are getting in Busoga under your leadership,” said MP Silwany during a parliamentary session on Thursday, 11th September 2025.
“You remember very well the issue of Busoga University was sorted by yourself. Yesterday, Bugiri Hospital came and was passed in this house, and I know more things are coming. We are very proud of you Right Honourable Speaker, as Busoga and as Members of Parliament from Busoga.”
Silwany added a broader appeal for unity, stating, “I know you are going to take care of all the interests of all the other regions so that we move in unison.”
Adding a controversial dimension to the commendations, Asuman Basalirwa, a prominent MP, and President of JEEMA, an opposition political party, asserted that Speaker Among “has all the rights to favour Busoga because she is actually part of Busoga.” Basalirwa was referencing Speaker Among’s marriage to Eng. Moses Magogo, the area MP for Budiope East, who hails from the Busoga sub-region.
However, Speaker Among swiftly interjected, clarifying her national mandate. “What I do, I do for all other regions,” she affirmed, emphasizing her role as a leader for the entire nation, not just one specific region.
Leveraging the discussion, MP Silwany also urged Parliament to prioritize funding for hospitals and health centres in the upcoming budgeting cycle. “I saw the happiness and the celebration the people of Bugiri had yesterday. It means that when you touch the health [sector], you are touching the lives of Ugandans,” he stressed, highlighting the tangible impact of health infrastructure on communities.
The exchange underscores the complex interplay between regional representation, national leadership, and the allocation of development resources, while also affirming the administration’s focus on health sector development across the country.
