Voters in the Busoga subregion are sending a strong message to their leaders as the 2026 general elections approach. They are threatening to hold accountable any leaders who have neglected their duties, particularly Members of Parliament (MPs) who have failed to engage with their constituents.
Emmanuel Mbalasa Lutaaya, Political Assistant to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman for the Eastern Region, criticized MPs who neglect their constituents, calling them out for failing to serve their primary employers—the people. He made these remarks in an interview with Busoga Today on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Commonly known as Commander Emma, Mbalasa, a former National Unity Platform (NUP) chief for Luuka District, expressed dismay that some leaders only resurface during election season after spending the previous five years indulging in Kampala.
“They are now coming because elections are near, and they have started their propaganda. They are trying to seduce the local people with small sums of money, but we shall not accept them,” Mbalasa said.
He questioned the motives of such leaders, suggesting they prioritize personal interests over serving the public. However, Mbalasa urged voters to remain vigilant against incompetent leaders who shirk their responsibilities and put self-interest above the community.
According to him, effective leaders should demonstrate proactive initiatives that benefit their communities. Citing Luuka District as an example, he encouraged residents to demand accountability from leaders who claim to have worked for them but show no tangible results.
Hon. Mariam Naigaga, the Namutumba District Woman MP, faced a humiliating experience on Friday, February 29, 2025, when she was reportedly chased away from the commissioning ceremony of Nangonde Health Center III in Nangonde Town Council. The incident was a culmination of frustration and discontent among voters, particularly the youth, who expressed dissatisfaction with her performance.
The crowd’s anger boiled over, preventing Naigaga from addressing the gathering. This public rebuke underscores the growing demand for accountability among leaders not only in Namutumba District but also in other electoral areas.
As a prominent figure in Ugandan politics, Naigaga has held various positions, including serving on the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Budget and being a member of both the Budget Committee and the Committee on Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. However, her performance has apparently fallen short of expectations, leading to backlash from her constituents.
This dramatic incident highlights the growing discontent among voters in Busoga, who feel their leaders have not been responsive to their needs. As the elections draw near, it is clear that voters will be demanding more accountability from their leaders.
“We should elect credible representatives who prioritize our needs over their own interests,” Mbalasa advised.
Another dramatic scene unfolded at the commissioning event when expectant mothers forcefully seized and tore apart mother kits donated by Hon. Naigaga, leading to injuries and hospitalizations.
Bukono Constituency lawmaker Princess Persis Namuganza, who also serves as the State Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, criticized the donation, stating that the uncoordinated initiative caused the chaos.
“It is very bad and shameful that our mothers are fighting over mother kits worth twenty thousand shillings (Shs 20,000),” Namuganza said.
Meanwhile, Mbalasa emphasized the NRM’s efforts to regain significant support in Busoga, a region that traditionally backed the ruling party until the 2021 elections, when opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu gained the upper hand.
However, Imran Kula Benjamin, a youth leader vying for the Bunya West Constituency in Mayuge District, stressed that leadership is a responsibility that demands selflessness, dedication, and a strong commitment to the well-being of the people and the long-term prosperity of the community.
Kula’s call for leaders who prioritize national interests over personal gains is particularly timely.
“With Uganda’s transition looming, it is essential to have leaders who focus on key sectors such as education, health, and youth unemployment, which have been neglected for far too long,” he stated.
His warning against individual deal-makers who exploit people’s choices for personal gain is also a crucial reminder. “It is essential to avoid leaders who prioritize their own interests over the needs of the community,” he said.
Kula’s aspirations for positive change in Busoga and Uganda at large are shared by many. As the younger generation, they have the power to shape the future and demand better from their leaders. By emphasizing the importance of selfless leadership, Benjamin is inspiring a new generation of leaders who will put the needs of the people first.
As Uganda looks ahead to 2026, it is clear that the country needs leaders who embody the qualities Benjamin is advocating for—leaders who are dedicated, resilient, empathetic, and who prioritize the well-being of the people and the prosperity of the community.
