Busoga residents look for lasting change as new district leaders report early gains

By Barasa Richard

For residents across the Busoga sub-region, better roads, clean water, functioning health facilities and improved schools remain among the most pressing development needs. Five months into their new term, district leaders say they are beginning to address some of these challenges, although progress varies across districts.

Local Council Five (LC5) chairpersons and other local leaders began their five-year term after elections in January and swearing-in ceremonies in May 2026.

In Jinja District, Chairperson Moses Batwala said his administration had improved sanitation at Kagoma General Hospital by providing separate latrines for men and women. Other achievements include a hospital borehole, commissioning of Kakira Health Centre III, school latrines at Buweera, Nampumwire and Kagoma, a health-centre project at Namagera Primary School and a public toilet at Lubanyi Trading Centre.

In Iganga, Chairperson Shabiru Isabirye Kalulu highlighted the construction of a nine-kilometre first-class murram road in Nawandala. He also reported the handover of renovated buildings formerly occupied by Busoga University for future admissions and an agreement with donors to renovate Nakavule Hospital.

Namutumba District Chairperson David Kalulu Mukisa reported the commissioning of 14 boreholes and more than 40 kilometres of roads in areas including Namutumba, Bulange and Nangonde. Classroom blocks have also been constructed in several primary schools, although some projects have experienced contractor delays.

In Kaliro, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Rogers Kiduma reported the commissioning of the Bwayuya–Bumaya–Budomero road under the Road Fund. Nansololo Seed School is complete but awaits commissioning. Buyende Chairperson Sharif Mangaraine cited commissioned classroom blocks in Buyanja, Nkondo and Irundu, alongside efforts to strengthen monitoring and address corruption concerns under the Parish Development Model.

In Luuka, Assistant RDC Umaru Ntogona reported completed classroom blocks, a science laboratory at Busalamu Secondary School and road improvements. Five boreholes await inspection.

However, Jinja City councillors Julius Kayiira Nabambula and Fazira Kawuma questioned the pace of delivery, saying no project had been commissioned during the first five months.

As the 2026–2031 term progresses, residents will judge their leaders not simply by announcements but by whether roads remain passable, water flows, schools improve and health facilities provide reliable services. Ultimately, the measure of success will be lasting improvements in people's lives across Busoga.