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Divided Buhweju seeks to unite after decade of infighting
Mr Francis Mwijukye, the Buhweju Member of Parliament, said the district has missed out on getting improved services such as schools, health centres, hydro power connection, and clean water extension because of the disagreements. PHOTO | ZADOCK AMANYISA
Since its split from the Greater Bushenyi in 2010, Buhweju District has suffered an unending wave of religious and political divisions among leaders.
The conflicts, which were reportedly fuelled by a cross section of leaders for polticial interests, have impeded service delivery in the hilly district.
It is against this background that the incoming district leadership has committed to unite all the warring sections.
Speaking during the new leaders’ induction organised by Uganda Citizens Alliance on Friday at Rukararwe Partnership for Rural Development, Mr Francis Mwijukye, the Buhweju Member of Parliament, said the district has missed out on getting improved services such as schools, health centres, hydro power connection, and clean water extension because of the disagreements.
“Because of infighting, we have at times missed out on important services from the central government. One time, the President wanted to meet the district delegation, but they disagreed on who should go and the President ended up meeting a disorganised group. At the end, those who were supposed to get these services did not benefit,” Mr Mwijukye said.
The induction was aimed at equipping new leaders with leadership and management skills so that they understand local governance.
According to Mr Mwijukye, who is also a commissioner of Parliament, leaders must stop infighting and focus on development.
“The people of Buhweju voted us to help them to get services not to promote divisions. We must work as a team if we want to liberate our district. We may contribute as individuals and score, but it is a team that wins at the end,” he said.
Ms Oliver Katwesigye Koyekyenga, the new district Woman Member of Parliament, said a lot needs to be done.
“In the just concluded term, Mr Mwijukye and I were members of the district natural resources committee, but we were never invited in the council as ex-officials. In such a situation, our people lost a lot because the more you fight, the more you delay services to the people,” she noted.
Ms Katwesigye maintained that the new leadership will work towards development and transformation.
The newly-elected district chairperson, Mr Deo Atuhaire, said local council representatives must work with their Members of Parliament to prevent unnecessary power centres that derail service delivery.
“In the past, civil servants in the district took the advantage of the conflicting political wing and connived with top district officials to loot valuable resources. This must change as we all pledge to build a new era,’’ he said.
