Pallisa, Uganda: Over 40,000 people on Friday thronged the belated International Women’s Day celebrations organized by Pallisa District Woman MP Kevin Kaala Ojinga, in what has been described as one of the largest public gatherings ever held in the district.
Held on May 30, the event saw a turnout so overwhelming that the 15,000 chairs arranged became insufficient long before 10 am, forcing thousands to stand throughout the function. Organizers had planned for just 8,000 attendees, expecting 1,500 from each of the 20 sub-counties and 5,000 from Pallisa Town Council as the host.
“We were stunned. The majority walked to the venue—this level of attendance shows the deep love and loyalty people have for Hon. Kaala,” said Augustine Okudel, chairperson of the organizing committee.
Among the crowd was Jane Atuko from Agule Town Council, who said many had also come in hopes of seeing the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among Magogo. “Whenever Mama Bukedea is set to attend a function, women suspend everything,” Atuko noted. “We were a bit disappointed when, by 3 pm, there was no sign of her convoy.”
Speaker Among, who was scheduled to officiate the event, sent an urgent apology through Hon. James Kubeketerya (Bunya South), citing an emergency that required her attention in Kampala. She delegated Kubeketerya to represent her in full capacity.
MP Kaala used the event to address longstanding development concerns in Pallisa, including the elevation of Pallisa Town Council to municipal status and the upgrade of Pallisa General Hospital to referral level.
“I am the mother of this district. My people, especially the Bakenye, feel marginalized within Gogonyo and demand administrative autonomy, just like Tororo’s situation. We need more counties, better healthcare, and direct funding for women-led SACCOs,” Kaala said, noting that President Museveni had previously acknowledged the same concerns during Gogonyo’s by-election.
In a show of solidarity, several MPs contributed financially to support Kaala’s initiatives: Hon. David Ochwa and Hon. Richard Oseku each offered UGX 2 million; Hon. Elijah Okupa, Hon. Sauda Kauma, Hon. Iddi Isabirye, and Kubeketerya each contributed UGX 1 million. Kubeketerya further announced a UGX 20 million pledge from Speaker Among.
“I will take every petition raised here straight to the Speaker,” said Kubeketerya, urging residents to remain steadfast in their support for NRM leaders. “You must not substitute Kaala, Ochwa, Oseku, and Orone, they are loyal cadres. Give President Museveni 100% and support Anita for Female Vice Chairperson CEC.”
District Chairperson Patrick Duchu thanked the Speaker and all attending MPs for their continued support towards Pallisa’s development needs.
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