Mbale City Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister for Public Service, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, has pledged unwavering commitment to serving the people of Mbale City following her appointment to Cabinet by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Speaking during the launch of the first-ever regional zoo in Eastern Uganda, Hon. Wanyoto expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Mbale City for their votes, prayers, and continued support, which she said played a significant role in her journey to national leadership.
“I thank the people of Mbale City for believing in me, voting for me, and keeping me in their prayers. I assure you that during this kisanja, there will be no sleep. I am fully committed to working tirelessly for our people and fulfilling the trust and responsibilities entrusted to me by H.E. the President and the citizens of Mbale,” she said.
The Minister applauded the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) for choosing Mbale as the second location after Entebbe to host a regional zoo, describing the project as a game-changer for the Bugisu sub-region. She noted that the facility will stimulate tourism, create employment opportunities, serve as an educational and conservation center, and contribute significantly to the region’s socio-economic transformation.
She also paid special tribute to Hon. Jesca Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda for personally gracing the occasion, noting that her presence in Mbale soon after the Minister’s appointment demonstrated genuine love and commitment to the people of Bugisu.
“She has always honored our invitations, and today she has once again shown her affection for our people by making Mbale one of her first destinations after my appointment. We are truly grateful,” Hon. Wanyoto remarked.
The Minister warmly welcomed her Cabinet colleague, Hon. Susan Nakawuki Nsamba, State Minister for Wildlife and Antiquities, for being part of what she described as a historic milestone for Eastern Uganda. In a symbolic gesture of appreciation and cultural unity, Hon. Wanyoto bestowed upon her the Gishu name “Namasaba,” officially welcoming her into the Bugisu family.
She further extended gratitude to H.E. President Museveni for fulfilling the government’s commitment to compensate the Ndaula and Kakungulu families over their land, saying the development had strengthened public confidence in the government’s dedication to justice, accountability, and inclusive development.
She concluded by thanking all stakeholders, government agencies, local leaders, development partners, and community members whose efforts made the regional zoo project possible. She welcomed the initiative to Mbale City and called upon residents to embrace and support it as a catalyst for growth and prosperity.
