NELSON K
Residents and local leaders in Nyakinengo Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub-county, Rukungiri District, have criticized the government for failing to provide essential social services, warning that they may boycott the upcoming 2026 elections if their grievances are not addressed.
In an interview with our reporter, Bernad Binoburamu, the LC2 Chairperson of Kinshanda, lamented the hardships faced by residents due to the lack of clean water, proper roads, medical care, and education. He highlighted that heavy rains and floods have destroyed roads, forcing residents to take on the roles of tractors and graders by engaging in communal work (Burungi Bwansi), using inadequate tools like hand hoes and pangas to repair the damaged infrastructure.
“Residents no longer have accessible routes to reach essential places, such as markets for food. Blocked roads have hindered growth, development in homes, and have led to increased famine and hunger,” Binoburamu stated. He urged government leaders to fulfill their responsibilities, noting that residents are prepared to boycott the upcoming elections if services are not improved.
Gumisiriza Johnson, a resident of Kishanda 2 Cell, shared similar frustrations, saying it has become extremely difficult to travel on key routes like Rushorooza to Kishanda and Rushorooza-Nyakabungo to St. Luke Primary School.
He revealed that residents had collectively carried materials like water pipes to replace damaged ones, only for these efforts to be undone when heavy rains washed the repairs away.
Kasiimaruhanga Peter, the Chairperson of the Association representing three villages—Kishanda 1, Kishanda 2, and Nyakayaga—explained that they had formed an association to organize communal work involving both men and women.
He criticized the government for failing to approve their efforts after they contributed UGX 6 million to hire a tractor from the local government. The funds were eventually returned to the residents after their request was ignored.
“Despite our communal efforts to clear the roads, they were again destroyed by recent heavy storms. We have consistently supported the NRM government during elections, but residents have now agreed to support only those who will commit to addressing our concerns,” Kasiimaruhanga added.
Our reporter attempted to contact Nyakagyeme LC3 Chairperson Mubangizi Godson for the government’s response. However, he remained unavailable for comment.
