Africa-Press – Uganda. Opposition politicians have called on the people of Bunyoro to reconsider their voting patterns, arguing that continued support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has not translated into better public services for the region.
Speaking during a visit to Hoima, Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, former presidential candidate Joseph Kabuleta, and Makindye-Ssabagabo Member of Parliament David Serukenya urged locals to vote for opposition candidates who can “challenge the status quo” and push for tangible development.
Although Bunyoro has long been considered a stronghold of the NRM, the visiting leaders said it was alarming that the oil-rich region continues to suffer from poor roads, underfunded health facilities, and inadequate schools.
“I hear Hoima is a city, but the roads are bad, health centres are in a sorry state—what kind of city is this?” said Nyanjura.
“We need to have leaders who can stand and challenge the president on the needs of people here.”
Kabuleta, who heads the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), dismissed the notion that Bunyoro is still an NRM stronghold. “That ended ten years ago,” he said.
“People are only in NRM for financial gains. Bunyoro is increasingly leaning towards the opposition. We need more voices who can speak up—we can’t remain in this yes-yes situation.”
The leaders were in Hoima at the invitation of Asinansi Nyakato, the city’s Woman Member of Parliament, who echoed calls for stronger opposition representation in Parliament.
“Imagine people being chased from their land while their leaders are in key positions in government,” said Nyanjura.
“They only serve the interests of NRM, not the citizens.”
Serukenya stressed that legislative reform, including the creation of a Bunyoro University and stronger protections against land grabbing, cannot happen without sufficient opposition representation.
“In Parliament, it is a game of numbers. Bunyoro should vote for more voices of reason. These NRM ‘yes-men’ always win because they are many,” he said.
Nyakato claimed she had fulfilled 90% of her manifesto pledges, including lobbying for development and raising local issues in Parliament and committee meetings.
“I have done my part,” she said. “But I need more colleagues with similar thoughts, not just yes-yes leaders.”
However, Hoima District NRM Chairperson Savannah Muhumuza dismissed the opposition claims, saying the ruling party remains the most capable of addressing the region’s needs.
“We are the party in power. A lot has been done, and more will be done. What we need is to keep NRM in power,” he said.
The visit reignited debate over how best to ensure that resource-rich regions like Bunyoro benefit from national development, especially as Uganda continues to expand its oil.
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