Africa-Press – Uganda. Former State Minister for Primary Education and former diplomat, Dr. Kamanda Bataringaya, has emphasised the centrality of the people’s will in shaping leadership, as Kashari gears up for the forthcoming 2026 elections.
Speaking at an event in Kashari where he represented Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Dr. Bataringaya reminded the community of their constitutional authority, quoting Article 1: “Power belongs to the people.” He stressed, “The people of Kashari are the ones to decide.”
Addressing the issue of accountability, Dr. Bataringaya criticised the growing trend of politicians abandoning their constituencies after elections, only to reappear when seeking votes for the next term.
“Accountability is two way. You can do it in your lifetime, not necessarily as an MP. Secondly, if you are going to stand, you can tell the community what you have done. Then also as an MP, to tell people what you have done for them. For me, I used to account for my people. That’s why I spent all that time in Parliament, 16 years being elected and winning,” Dr. Bataringaya noted. He further warned, “All leaders will account when it comes to that time.”
Turning to the upcoming elections, Dr. Bataringaya encouraged all eligible Ugandans to participate actively. “Elections is a competition. We are still appealing to the people of Uganda to go and register and even check their names if they are in the voter register. They should not remain home and they begin complaining that they have been cheated,” he urged.
He also called for peaceful elections, warning against any form of violence. “Whoever loses should accept and whoever wins should carry it all. We are talking about development of this area, Kashari,” he emphasised.
At the same event, Fred Mwesigye, another prominent figure in Kashari North, echoed the calls for change and greater accountability. “People of Kashari want change,” Fred asserted.
Reflecting on the role of authority, Fred pointed out that while there may be no money in Parliament, there is considerable influence that leaders can use for the benefit of their communities. “In Parliament there’s no money, but there is authority and power. If like I am given an opportunity to go to the US, can I take a concept paper to help a certain school?” Fred posed.
Fred highlighted the persistent gaps in the education and health sectors in Kashari North, noting the long distances people still have to travel to access health services. He emphasised the importance of investing in technical and vocational education as a solution to the region’s unemployment challenges.
“With gaps in education sector, that is why there’s unemployment in Kashari which can be solved with solving it from technical and vocational skills as well as utilising the new curious. Harmonising this new curriculum together with technical institutions, we shall solve unemployment and change the society,” he stated. He urged the government to ensure that every constituency has at least one technical school, pointing out that Kashari still lags behind in this regard.
The event also witnessed students from Kyambogo University and other institutions endorsing Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga as the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) 2025, during the unveiling of Fred Mwesigye’s documentary showcasing his work in the region.
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