BUHWEJU, UGANDA – A section of Buhweju Member of Parliament Francis Mwijukye’s loyal supporters have defected to his opponent, Grace Agaba Byaruhanga, an emerging contender for the Buhweju County MP seat.
This week, during the campaign launch for MP aspirant Agaba at Ntsika Town Council Playground, the defectors publicly declared their switch from Mwijukye’s camp to Agaba’s. They cited the incumbent’s unfulfilled promises and poor service delivery as their main reasons for abandoning him.
Buhweju is one of the most remote, hard-to-reach districts in Western Uganda, and continues to lag behind in terms of development and essential services. It is the only district in Western Uganda without access to a tarmac road, which has greatly hampered economic activity. Both the health and education systems in Buhweju are severely underdeveloped, contributing to high poverty levels among residents.
Locals attribute Buhweju’s poor state to political conflicts that have disrupted service delivery. One resident noted that when Buhweju was dominated by the opposition led by MP Mwijukye, the government and other influential district figures undermined his efforts, hampering his ability to lobby for services. Many voters now believe Buhweju needs political change, specifically an MP who can work closely with the government instead of remaining in opposition, which they feel has blocked essential services.
“We cannot live in deception forever. I have been a loyal supporter of MP Mwijukye—even part of his core mobilization team. But I’ve abandoned him because of his unfulfilled promises,” said Nicolus Ahimbisibwe from Omukayenje Kankara. “For example, he promised our roads from Karushuruza to Kashar and Omukatooma to Kibingo would be rehabilitated, saying funds were ready, but nothing has been done. As a boda boda rider and Waragi trader, I am frustrated with the poor roads. I am tired of empty promises and have joined Grace Agaba’s camp, hoping she will do better.”
Dorothy Kyoshabire from Rugaba Ward, Ntsika Town Council, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s a regret that we received FDC here, which later dominated our area. Our MP is from FDC, but the FDC does not work with the ruling government or connect with the President. This has left us behind while neighboring constituencies advance. I used to support Mwijukye, but realized he hasn’t improved our service delivery. As a woman, I see hope in Grace Agaba, who supports the President of Uganda and can lobby for us. Poor roads and lack of markets for our agricultural products have devalued our lives. It’s time for a change in leadership,” said Kyoshabire.
Agaba is an NRM-leaning independent candidate contesting against incumbent Mwijukye (of PFF) and others for the Buhweju County MP seat.
