The Thanksgiving Ceremony, launched in 2023 and recently concluded in Kalongo in May 2025, was not a single event but a district-wide initiative that spanned all 26 sub-counties of Agago. It was a comprehensive outreach effort—meticulously planned and community-focused—with the primary aim of fostering dialogue, accountability, unity, and development. Indeed, while food, including cooked meat from slaughtered cattle, was provided as part of the hospitality and celebration, it was by no means the core or sole purpose of the gatherings.
At its heart, the Thanksgiving program was a platform for reciprocal engagement. Communities were given the opportunity to offer feedback to their elected leaders, while the Minister and her team shared updates on government initiatives, policies, and future development plans. It was a unique moment of reflection and interaction, where both the governed and those in government could speak and listen in equal measure.
Key pillars of the program included enlightenment on existing and upcoming government programs, advocacy for women's rights, and youth capacity development—topics critical to the long-term transformation of the district. Civil servants were actively engaged, particularly on matters concerning irregularities and the need for integrity and transparency in public service. Entertainment, cultural expression, and the celebration of communal identity also featured prominently, reinforcing unity and pride among the people of Agago.
Perhaps most notably, the ceremony emphasized a collective call for unity as the foundation for progress. Minister Akori used the platform to rally stakeholders—from local leaders to ordinary citizens—around a common vision for the district’s future. This spirit of inclusion and shared responsibility for development was evident in every sub-county visit.
Those who narrowly frame the ceremony as "all about food" overlook these critical dimensions. Hospitality, especially in Ugandan and broader African culture, is an expression of respect and gratitude. Sharing a meal is often symbolic of reconciliation, community, and shared aspirations. The food served was a gesture of appreciation and unity, not the main agenda.
Minister Akello Beatrice Akori’s Thanksgiving program stands as a commendable example of leadership grounded in accessibility, transparency, and people-centered governance. It offered the people of Agago more than a meal—it offered them a voice, a vision, and a tangible presence of government in their midst. Reducing such an initiative to a culinary footnote risks ignoring the depth of its purpose and the sincerity of its message.
In conclusion, the Thanksgiving Ceremony was a multifaceted success—an embodiment of public service that goes beyond politics and speaks to the values of community engagement, accountability, and development