By James Alomu

SOROTI CITY — Kazi Ni Kazi, a civic organisation advancing the interests of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has criticised what it describes as greed, personal ambition and the struggle for seniority among some leaders in Teso, warning that internal divisions could continue to undermine the region's development.

The organisation has dismissed allegations from a group of individuals in Teso that its members are seeking jobs and favours from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, insisting that its engagement with the PLU Secretariat is intended to highlight the region's development challenges rather than pursue individual interests.

The organisation's leaders say Teso needs unity, practical ideas and collective action to address persistent economic challenges, including limited industrial development, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, unemployment and the underperformance of some economic initiatives.

Steven Ariong, a former aspirant for Serere County, said the accusations against Kazi Ni Kazi reflected a misunderstanding of the organisation's mission, emphasising that its priority was to advance the interests of the people of Teso.

Ariong argued that personal rivalries and the pursuit of recognition among some leaders were distracting attention from issues that directly affect ordinary citizens.

He used a pointed analogy to respond to those accusing the organisation of seeking personal benefits, comparing the situation to a coffin maker whose apparent grief might be mistaken for genuine sorrow when he is actually interested in knowing the price and design of a coffin.

He maintained that Kazi Ni Kazi was not established to advance individual ambitions but to advocate for the development of Teso and ensure that the region's concerns received attention from relevant leadership.

Ariong expressed concern over the state of economic development in the region, pointing to limited nighttime economic activity in Soroti City and the need to strengthen industrial initiatives, agricultural production and employment opportunities.

He also highlighted the need for effective irrigation systems to improve agricultural productivity, arguing that greater investment in modern farming methods could help farmers increase production and improve household incomes.

Ariong further cited the region's experience with meat processing and other industrial initiatives, saying Teso needed renewed attention to projects capable of generating employment and stimulating economic growth.

He said these concerns motivated Kazi Ni Kazi to engage the PLU Secretariat and present the challenges facing the sub-region, despite the presence of prominent political leaders.

According to Ariong, Teso's development prospects would remain limited if leaders continued to prioritise personal interests and competition for seniority over a common development agenda.

Teddy Anyuk Osire, a former contestant for Orungo County in Amuria District and former National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, also criticised divisions among political actors in the region, saying ordinary citizens were bearing the consequences of leadership disagreements.

Osire argued that leaders had a responsibility to improve the welfare of the people they represent rather than allow personal differences to undermine collective progress.

She said unity was essential for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify shared priorities and develop practical solutions to the challenges affecting communities across Teso.

Osire maintained that Kazi Ni Kazi was committed to bringing people together and ensuring that development opportunities benefited ordinary citizens rather than a select group of individuals.

She also defended former election candidates who continue to contribute to public affairs despite failing to win elective positions, arguing that electoral defeat does not erase a person's ideas, leadership abilities or capacity to contribute to community transformation.

She urged critics to recognise that individuals who have lost elections can still play a meaningful role in identifying problems, proposing solutions and supporting development initiatives.

Fred Opolot, a former Member of Parliament for Pingire County, said Kazi Ni Kazi had a clear agenda focused on advancing Teso's interests and warned that internal disagreements would not help the organisation achieve its objectives.

Opolot called for discipline and cooperation among those seeking to promote the region's development, arguing that struggles for recognition and seniority risked diverting energy from more pressing issues.

He maintained that the region needed leaders willing to work together to pursue practical interventions in infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation and other sectors essential to improving livelihoods.

Daniel Mulala, the Founder of Kazi Ni Kazi, said the organisation remained open to everyone willing to contribute to the advancement of Teso, regardless of their political background or previous electoral performance.

Mulala said the region faced numerous challenges that required a coordinated approach, adding that presenting shared priorities to the PLU Secretariat could help draw attention to issues requiring intervention.

He rejected claims that Kazi Ni Kazi was seeking jobs or personal favours, saying the organisation's mission was anchored in a development agenda for the region.

Responding to the allegations, Mulala said he had previously helped some individuals access employment opportunities and advance their political careers, questioning why his own involvement in the organisation should be interpreted as an attempt to secure personal benefits.

He added that his experience working in different offices had given him a clear understanding of the importance of leadership and public service, insisting that his current focus was on advocating for Teso's development.

Mulala reiterated that the organisation was not interested in engaging in unnecessary disputes but wanted stakeholders to concentrate on identifying challenges and presenting solutions that could benefit the wider population.

The leaders said Teso needed a shift from personal rivalries to collective responsibility, with greater attention directed towards industrial growth, agricultural modernisation, job creation and improved public welfare.

They maintained that the region's development should not be determined by competition over who holds greater influence or seniority, but by the ability of leaders and civic actors to work together in pursuit of measurable progress.

Kazi Ni Kazi's leaders called on stakeholders across Teso to set aside their differences and embrace a shared vision that prioritises the needs of ordinary citizens.

They said their engagement with the PLU Secretariat was part of an effort to ensure that the region's concerns were heard and that development remained at the centre of political and civic discussions.

For Kazi Ni Kazi, the message is clear: Teso's future depends on unity, constructive engagement and a commitment to public service rather than personal ambition. The organisation insists that the region cannot realise its full potential if leadership rivalries continue to overshadow the urgent need for economic transformation.