Editor
Residents of Kishanda 2 Cell in Nyakinengo Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub-County, Rukungiri District have declared their intention to boycott the 2026 elections in protest against poor leadership and the lack of essential social services, which they claim has left their community in a state of underdevelopment.
This decision was led by key local leaders, including Mr. Binoburamu Bernard, the LC1 Chairperson of Kishanda 2 Cell, Mr. Baryahika Yeremiah, the LC1 Chairperson of Kishanda 1 Cell, and Mr. Aturihiihi Yokania, the LC1 Chairperson of Nyakayaga. The leaders expressed frustration with the failure of their elected representatives to address the community’s critical needs.
Mr. Binoburamu Bernard, speaking to reporters, stated that his community is tired of electing leaders who do not deliver. He cited several key issues, including dilapidated roads, poor educational and healthcare services, a lack of electricity, and inadequate access to clean drinking water. “We have decided that we will not participate in future elections because the leaders we elect do nothing for us,” he said.
He further urged government officials, specifically the Woman Member of Parliament and the Rujumbura MP, to show compassion and address the community’s concerns.
Mr. Aturihiihi Yokania of Nyakayaga LC1 echoed these concerns, noting that both Nyakayaga and Kishanda 2 Cell are severely deprived of social services, which has hampered their economic development.
Resident Evalisto Byarugaba voiced his dissatisfaction with the current leadership, citing the lack of response following heavy rains and storms in August that caused significant damage to crops and roads. He called on the LC3 Chairperson and other leaders to stop ignoring the needs of their community, noting that the residents are tax-paying citizens deserving of support.
The lack of basic infrastructure is also impacting local institutions. Baryakabona Laurence, a head of department at St. Luke Primary School, highlighted the school’s struggles with water scarcity, explaining that they lack sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and washing. Despite being one of the top-performing schools in academics, the school is unable to offer boarding facilities due to the absence of electricity and poor road access.
Businesswoman Natuhwera Jane, representing small-scale businesses in Omukashanda, Kishanda 2 Cell, emphasized that the lack of feeder roads, electricity, and water for domestic use is stifling local businesses. She urged leaders to heed their concerns or risk continued stagnation in the area’s development.
As frustrations grow, the residents’ threat to boycott the upcoming elections raises concerns about the political climate and potential voter turnout in the district. It remains to be seen whether government leaders will address the grievances of the Kishanda 2 Cell community before the 2026 elections.
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