KALANGALA,UGANDA – Bujumba County MP William Lugoloobi has accused National Unity Platform leaders in Kalangala District of failing to follow up on government and donor-funded projects, leading to the collapse of initiatives worth about Shs266 billion.
Lugoloobi spoke on Tuesday during NRM mobilisation meetings in Kalangala. The meetings, led by NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, are part of campaigns for the party’s candidate in the 24 June Kalangala Woman MP by-election, Idah Nabayiga.
The former Kalangala District Chairperson said the district was set for major economic transformation in 2021, but a change in local leadership disrupted follow-up on key projects.
“The people elected leaders who failed to lobby and follow up government programmes. As a result, Kalangala lost opportunities worth billions of shillings that would have transformed livelihoods here,” Lugoloobi said.
He said the biggest setback was the collapse of a planned aquapark project valued at €49 million, about Shs212.6 billion. The project was to include an industrial fish hatchery, processing factory, feed store, and workshop to create jobs and reduce illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.
Lugoloobi said the facility had been launched and was operational before the 2021 elections, with plans to process and export fish products to European markets. He said the project stalled after the new district leadership failed to maintain engagement with investors and government agencies.
“The aquapark would have created employment for thousands of young people and provided a sustainable alternative to illegal fishing. Unfortunately, the required follow-up was not done and the investment was lost,” he said.
He also cited the failure to secure funding for a district hospital, despite his administration completing land acquisition and title verification required by the Ministry of Health. Residents currently travel by water to mainland facilities for specialised care.
Lugoloobi added that Kalangala missed Shs54 billion earmarked for expanding palm oil growing in Chamuswa after local leaders allegedly failed to pursue a presidential directive to return the funds to the district.
He also said the Luku–Utoboka–Mulabana road project stalled after surveys were completed and contractors introduced to district leaders.
Combined, the projects represented investments worth about Shs266 billion, excluding the road component.
“Getting government support is not enough. Leaders must constantly follow up to ensure projects are implemented. Kalangala needs representatives who can act as a strong bridge between the people and the central government,” Lugoloobi said.
The NRM team, including EC Commissioner Amb. James Williams Kinobe and Director of Communication Hon. Emmanuel Lumala Dombo, is campaigning across Kalangala’s islands. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is expected to join this week.
