By David Imaa
Local leaders from Tororo County on Sunday gathered in Mukuju Subcounty, Tororo District, to give thanks to God for the appointment of their kin as State Minister in charge of East African Affairs James Magode Ikuya.
A 74-year-old member of the National Historical Forum and an ardent supporter of the ruling NRM, Hon Ikuya was appointed minister in a cabinet reshuffle last year despite being frail and physically weak. Even during the vetting process, he could hardly walk on his own and depended on the support from close friends and relatives.
Leaders including members of parliament and local governments in Tororo Districts led by Tororo South MP Hon. Angura Fredrick said they were celebrated seeing Hon. Magode Ikuya fully recovered and in good health ready to serve his country.
Tororo North county MP Hon Geoffrey Ekanya thanked God for Magode Ikuya but said his appointment was long overdue and should had have been effected 30 years ago. Ekanya called upon President Museveni’s government to support other freedom fighters like Ikuya and help transform their lives for the better.
Hon Angura congratulated Ikuya for assuming his new responsibilities as state minister in charge of East African affairs adding that this position is key as EAC has many challenges that urgently need to be addressed.
Angura raised alarm over the predicament of clearing agents at Malaba border after cargo from Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan was ringfenced for their Kenyan counterparts. He called upon the attention of the minister to urgently engage the Kenyan authorities to end this miserable situation for the clearing agents fraternity.
Despite being an opposition FDC member, Hon Ekanya urged members of the public to participate in the Social economic transformation agenda being implemented by the National resistance movement (NRM) party, saying that what is important is for all Wanainchi to benefit regardless of their political party affiliation.
James Magode Ikuya appreciated the people involved in preparation of the event and thanked the almighty God for remembering him at a time when he had completely lost hope. The minister said he is strong and again able to push for the ideologies to achieve in the social economic transformation agenda.
Speaking at the event the Secretary General and Tororo County Affairs, Joseph Oburu, issued a reminder to government over the delayed declaration of the London Report on the Tororo County boundaries with West Budama.
Angura however reierated the demand for creation of a new district out of Tororo District decrying continued oppression of the people of Tororo County by other communities.