Ofwono Opondo P’Odel made his grand entrance into Kapelebyong with the kind of flair that would make a Muganda chief proud. The man, who seems to have mastered the art of high-profile visits, decided to drop by Bukedea to visit the impressive empire of Anitah Among, a local magnate whose business ventures might just make a village elder green with envy.
Opondo’s schedule read like a list of items from a well-meaning but overambitious community development plan. First on his list was a secondary school. Because, as any good Ugandan knows, nothing says “I’m serious about development” like a brand-new school. And if the walls of this school could talk, they’d probably be singing praises about Opondo’s timely visit. It’s a bit like showing up at a wedding just as the bride walks down the aisle—everyone notices.
Following the school, the next stop was a hospital and health training institute. Clearly, Among is not just about teaching the young minds of the future but also training those who will keep them alive long enough to appreciate their education. It’s the Ugandan equivalent of having a well-stocked kitchen and a top-notch pharmacy; you want to make sure all your bases are covered.
Of course, Opondo didn’t miss out on visiting Maama Radio Station, which seems to be Bukedea’s answer to the BBC. Here, the airwaves buzz with local news, gossip, and the occasional dramatic reading of poetry that could rival the classics. One can only imagine the conversations that took place, with Opondo and Among perhaps debating whether the station should switch to playing more local music or just stick to broadcasting the latest town gossip.
Anitah Among is not stopping at schools, hospitals, and radio stations. No, she’s got plans for a sports complex as well. This is not just any sports complex, mind you. It’s the kind that makes you think of local heroes taking a break from chasing goats to play a friendly game of football. Opondo’s visit here was surely marked by visions of future football stars, all thanks to Among’s grand plans. This was no ordinary sports complex; it was the stuff of dreams, promising to turn Bukedea into a veritable sports haven. Think of it as the Ugandan equivalent of building a new Wembley, but with more local flair and fewer tourists.
Their heart-to-heart talk was undoubtedly filled with the kind of profound insights that only two people who are deeply invested in their community can share. One can imagine the conversation flowing like a rich Ugandan stew—spicy, hearty, and full of unexpected twists. They probably discussed everything from the latest development projects to how to best harness the local talent, all while enjoying the hospitality that only a true Bukedea native can provide.
Whether it was genuine admiration or suspicion, one thing was certain: Among’s projects have put Bukedea on the map, even if it is for reasons both noble and contentious. The people of Bukedea now have a host of stories and debates to keep their community vibrant, at least until the next grand tour or scandal comes along.
Reactions to the tour have been, predictably, as varied as the colors in a traditional Ugandan shuka. Some locals praised Among’s efforts, admiring her commitment to development. They see her investments as a sign of progress, comparable to seeing a freshly paved road where once there were just muddy tracks.
Others, however, are less convinced. They’re raising eyebrows faster than you can say “Kinyamatama” at a local market. Questions are being asked about the sources of funding for these grand projects. It’s the classic Ugandan query: when someone suddenly appears wealthier than a kingdom’s treasury, where did the money come from?
On social media, the comments range from supportive to skeptical. Some have praise Among for her visible impact. Others, however, questioned whether her investments are more about personal gain rather than communal benefit. It’s the age-old debate—are these ventures meant to uplift the community or simply to showcase a personal empire?
