Kadaga roots for Busoga rural transformation, dev’t, through education.
Luuka, Uganda: The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has called for a renewed national commitment to education as a transformative tool for rural development, particularly in the Busoga sub-region.
Speaking during the official opening of the Tom Mullaney Boys Dormitory at St. Atanansi Junior School in Nakasedhere Village, Luuka District, Kadaga applauded the efforts of Atanansi Community-Based Organization (CBO), a faith-driven initiative working to uplift underprivileged communities through education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
“I discussed the need to prioritize the education of our children in Busoga with Fr. Jenga while attending the Twegaite International Conference in the US. At the time, I didn’t know he was already working hard to establish this model school, which today accommodates 550 learners,” Kadaga told the congregation.
The Atanansi CBO, founded by Fr. Dr. Fred Jenga, partners with both local and international benefactors to provide sustainable social development rooted in Christian values.
Fr. Jenga emphasized that the initiative reflects the moral obligation of those with access and resources to support those in need. “This is how we live out our faith—not by rhetoric, but through action,” he said.
Kadaga also pledged to address critical infrastructure concerns raised by local leaders, including LC1 Chairpersons, particularly the poor state of the Kyanvuma–Nakasedere–Nawampiti road, a key transport route serving the school and surrounding communities.
She further promised to follow up on development pledges made by President Yoweri Museveni to the Diocese of Jinja during the recent Bugonza Pilgrimage in Kaliro District, following a request by the day’s main celebrant, Fr. Gerald Muto, the Jinja Diocesan Chancellor.
The event drew high-level local and international guests, including Nancy Harvey, Erin Harvey, Magela Justin, and Diann Ruholl from the United States.
The Atanansi Women’s Association, with 132 active members, showcased grassroots empowerment projects such as tailoring, crafts, hairdressing, bar soap production, and savings groups.
Kadaga, widely recognized for championing women’s rights and rural empowerment, lauded the women’s group as a testament to what community-driven development can achieve when aligned with structured support and faith-based guidance.