RUBANDA – Residents of Hamuhambo Town Council in Rubanda District have blamed persistent underdevelopment on what they describe as propaganda-driven politics, accusing some leaders of neglecting service delivery in favour of political rivalries.
The concerns were raised on Wednesday, July 8, during a water scarcity assessment conducted by Hamuhambo Town Council authorities and the LC5 Female Councilor for Hamuhambo Town Council and Bubare Sub-county, Hon. Francine Turyazayo, ahead of planned renovations of community water wells.
Speaking on behalf of residents, Arinda Simpson, the Chairperson of Kyiraro Water Source, said the community endured two months without access to clean water before residents mobilised themselves to restore a temporary supply.
He explained that the water source serves the three villages of Kashekye, Kyabahinga and Kiraro in Bunyonyi Ward, making it a critical resource for hundreds of residents.
Simpson criticized leaders whom he accused of appearing only during election periods with divisive political messages instead of addressing pressing community needs.
“Water problems affect everyone regardless of political affiliation, but some leaders only return during campaigns. Since the elections, Hon. Francine Turyazayo is the only leader who has come back to assess our challenges,” he said.
Another resident, Twineyensi Grade, popularly known as Magufuri Hanyanja, said the village well was constructed in the 1990s and has never undergone renovation despite the area’s growing population.
He noted that the dependence on a single water source has often resulted in conflicts among residents, adding that repeated appeals to leaders for assistance have gone unanswered.
Residents warned that they would reject leaders who prioritize political propaganda over service delivery, saying they are now looking for leaders who can deliver tangible development.
Hon. Gilbert Twesiime, the Youth Councilor for Hamuhambo Town Council, urged leaders to put politics aside and focus on improving the livelihoods of residents.
“The time for politics is over. Leaders should now work together to deliver services that improve the lives of the people,” Twesiime said.
In response, Hon. Francine Turyazayo pledged to oversee the renovation of all water wells in water-stressed villages across Hamuhambo Town Council.
She said her priority is to ensure that every resident has access to safe and clean water, stressing that leadership should be measured by service delivery rather than political divisions.
“My responsibility is to serve the people and create a positive impact, not to divide communities through politics,” Turyazayo said.
The planned rehabilitation of the water sources is expected to improve access to clean water for residents who have struggled with recurring shortages for years.
