By Atemo Mary
Teso stands at a crossroads, a region rich in potential yet shackled by division, self-interest, and political greed. Despite holding significant positions in government, from civil offices to the military, Teso’s progress is stymied by a lack of unity among its leaders. This disunity, driven by a desire for superiority and personal gain, threatens to leave Teso perpetually behind.
Today, Teso’s representation in national leadership is impressive on paper, with prominent figures occupying influential roles. However, these positions have done little to alleviate the region’s deep-seated problems. Instead of leveraging their power to uplift the community, many leaders have become mired in self-serving agendas. The result is a growing chasm between the leaders’ capabilities and the region’s needs.
The blame for this stagnation lies not only with the politicians but also with the electorate. The locals of Teso, who continue to vote for individuals driven by personal ambition rather than communal progress, bear a significant share of responsibility. By electing entertainers and self-seekers, they undermine the serious political discourse needed to address Teso’s challenges.
The Teso Agenda, G9 Agenda, and other such initiatives will remain hollow slogans unless there is a concerted effort to foster genuine unity. Leaders must put aside their egos and work collaboratively for the common good. This unity is not a passive aspiration but a demand that must be made forcefully by the people of Teso. Only through collective pressure can the region’s leaders be compelled to prioritize the community over their own interests.
The time for complacency is over. Teso’s future hinges on its ability to unite and hold its leaders accountable. Without this unity, the region will continue to lag, its vast potential squandered by the very people entrusted to harness it. It is up to the locals to become catalysts for change, demanding unity and integrity from their leaders, or risk consigning Teso to perpetual underdevelopment and irrelevance.
Ms. Mary Atemo
Contender for Kumi Woman Member of Parliament FDC 2026