Hon. Cabinet Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, has pledged to attend this year’s Ensonga Cup final, saying such activities, when kept free from excessive politicisation, play an important role in bringing communities together.
He asked organisers to keep him updated in his capacity as the City Minister and senior landlord in Hoima West City, noting that he was ready to support initiatives that bring joy to the people of Hoima.
He emphasised that although he might not support the political party associated with an event, he would always support what his people wanted, adding that he was happy to see residents enjoying themselves through the Ensonga Cup. He thanked the organisers for continuing to bring smiles to his beloved side of the city.
The Minister also called for better coordination of invitations to community activities organised by fellow Members of Parliament and other leaders in Bunyoro. He said he would always make time to attend when invited early enough, but invitations issued only two days before an event were difficult to accommodate.
He explained that his ministry was science-based and practical, with no State Minister, leaving him with limited time to attend personal and colleagues’ programmes.
Eng. Akiiki also thanked Hon. Minister Balaam Ateenyi for his continued service, stressing that leaders deserved to be listened to before being judged. He observed that many leaders faced public criticism and encouraged them to give one another a fair hearing.
As the NRM National Vice Chairperson for the Western Region, he said his office received numerous reports concerning different leaders, some of which he described as blackmail and organised falsehoods. He explained that he did not rush to act on such reports but instead preferred to read them carefully and conduct proper investigations before drawing conclusions.
He added that he had also been subjected to what he described as false allegations following the elections but chose not to respond publicly. He called on leaders across Greater Bunyoro, particularly senior leaders, to work closely together, support one another and maintain mutual respect.
Addressing Hon. Nyakato, the Minister said that despite not having supported her, he continued to recognise her as his Member of Parliament until the courts determined otherwise. He cited this as an example of his respect for leadership and the legal process.
Turning to his colleague, the Member of Parliament for Hoima East, Eng. Akiiki urged closer cooperation, reminding him that Hoima East was home to a Central Executive Committee (CEC) member, the Hoima City NRM chairperson and a Cabinet Minister serving the entire country.
He said cooperation among leaders would enable residents of Hoima East to benefit from united and coordinated service delivery. He cautioned against unnecessary competition over positions and prominence, noting that the Constitution clearly defines the mandates of public offices.
The Minister further called on leaders to use their respective mandates to unite communities and strengthen cooperation, rather than work in isolation. He said collective effort would enable Hoima residents to benefit more from government leadership and service delivery.
Eng. Akiiki also thanked Dr. Asiimwe for the continued support extended to MK, saying preparations were already underway for the next agenda concerning the elderly. He encouraged him to maintain the same spirit of commitment and strength.
He described Dr. Asiimwe and KK as his leaders from Bujenje and relatives, adding that people in Masindi continued to update him on their activities and were pleased with the services being delivered, particularly the provision of tents and a sound system.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja ( majegere)’s leadership colleague , for his contribution to national leadership and noted the importance of having leaders from Bunyoro serving at the national level. He called for collective support towards the Prime Minister’s efforts to advance national development, with leaders contributing within their respective jurisdictions.
Eng. Akiiki concluded by calling for unity, cooperation and mutual respect among leaders in Greater Bunyoro, expressing hope that working together would strengthen service delivery and development across the region.
“God bless Bunyoro.”
