Teso leaders have lauded President William Ruto for initiating development projects in the region, saying the investments will help address decades of marginalization.

The leaders have also called for unity among members of the community, despite their political differences, to ensure the region benefits from development opportunities and its fair share of national resources.

Speaking during various burial ceremonies in Teso North over the weekend, Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera said the region had witnessed significant development since Ruto served as Deputy President and later became President.

He said leaders from the region had previously faced challenges in lobbying for development projects, citing the Malaba-Kewaluny Road, which was eventually tarmacked following Ruto’s intervention while serving as Deputy President.

Odera said other development initiatives undertaken in the region included markets, institutions and support programmes for community members.

“We can now comfortably say we are getting our rightful share as a community and as a region from this government, something that has never happened before,” he said.

Other leaders who praised the President included Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, Teso South MP Mary Emase and Principal Administrative Secretary in the Office of the President Arthur Osiya.

Emase called on leaders from the Teso community to set aside their differences and work together to promote development and improve the welfare of residents.

“We as leaders need to demonstrate unity, talk to each other and walk together, whether in politics or other matters, so that we can deliver for our communities,” she said.

Osiya said the government was preparing to commence tarmacking works on the 55-kilometre Butula-Nambale-Amukura-Kocholia Road following President Ruto’s meeting with Teso community leaders at State Lodge in Eldoret on August 29.

During the meeting, the President announced that Sh3 billion had been approved for road projects in the region, including the proposed road, which is expected to improve transport and connectivity.

Osiya recalled how Odera had lobbied for the Malaba-Kewaluny Road while serving as Teso North MP, saying the project had previously received limited attention despite the availability of funds.

“I remember very well that Odera, while serving as the MP for Teso North, had to lobby hard for the Malaba-Kewaluny Road, which was receiving little attention. Funds were available but were diverted. Ruto, while still the Deputy President, stood with us until the road was tarmacked,” Osiya said.

He urged voters to support Ruto’s re-election, saying the development projects undertaken in the region demonstrated the President’s commitment to the community.

The region is also set to benefit from the dualling of the Malaba-Kimwanga highway, the Standard Gauge railway, dry port and the Export Processing Zone (EPZ).

“These investments are creating opportunities today and laying the foundation for generations to come,” said Teso North MP Oku Kaunya during a previous function.

by Moses Wekesa