Presidency Minister Milly Babirye Babalanda over the weekend blamed the constituents of Bugweri district for voting leaders whom she described as unfaithful.
She said the disloyal and treacherous leaders have only caused underdevelopment instead of fundamental development in the baby district.
Babalanda was representing Alhajji Moses Kigongo, the National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), while presiding over the thanksgiving ceremony (shukur) of Hajji Sadala Wandera, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Iganga District.
“These leaders we are merely voting by accident are not good. How can you be the area Member of Parliament for over twenty years and you accept your constituency to have no electricity? I am disappointed but I assure you, the people of Bugweri, that we shall have good leaders,” Babalanda said.
Held at Bubenge Village, Igombe Subcounty, Bugweri district, the event attracted thousands of people from across the district, and several dignitaries from both local and central government.
In attendance were Deputy Inspector of Police Ochaya and several MPs, namely Hon. Milton Muwuma, Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibawo, and Hon. Recheal Magoola. Others included Diana Mutasingwa, the Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, Presidency Permanent Secretary Hajji Yunus Kakande, and others.
Led by the acting Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the memorable event was a moment of honour and congratulations to Wandera, one of the pilgrims who recently returned from the Muslim holy city of Mecca. He attained the religious title Hajji.
In her remarks, Babalanda attributed what she described as the suffering of Bugweri residents to voting for a legislator who has not effectively met the needs of the locals.
“Even if we fight for development like we are fighting, we shall not succeed when we still have leaders who are not helping us. I am hearing that you are in need of electricity and you have been represented for over twenty years,” she said.
Bugweri district is represented by Hon. Abud Kantuntu, who has been in Parliament for 23 years. But Babalanda mobilized the residents to turn their support to Wandera, who is reportedly eyeing the legislative seat of Bugweri.
She said, “I am here pleading to you, Sadala, that when you go to Parliament, ensure the people that sent you to Kampala are okay with the service deliveries.”
Hajji Yunus Kakande, Secretary, emphasized the need for capable leaders who would mobilize the people, particularly youths, to embrace government programs and overcome poverty.
Minister Mutasingwa, also the Woman MP of Buikwe district, congratulated Hajji Wandera upon reaching a significant step in the religion, which she said would be a catalyst to fulfill his dreams.
“You have entered this game. Sometimes it is disappointing, but you just need to endure. I believe your braveness and determination will lead you to excellence,” Mutasingwa said.
Hajji Sadala Wandera said the overwhelming number of people who gathered to honour his achievements was a signal that he is credible to be trusted for common development.