As President Yoweri Museveni gears up for his upcoming visit to Butaleja on November 7, a storm is brewing within the NRM camp. Residents are voicing their discontent and threatening protests unless the president expands his meetings beyond a select group of leaders. The dissatisfaction is palpable, and the pressure on local NRM leaders is mounting.
Hajji Walugo Issa, the NRM Chairman for Butaleja district, has found himself at the center of this brewing storm.
In an effort to quell unrest, Walugo denied claims that he acknowledged any plans for protests, stating emphatically, “I have not talked to you about people protesting.” He has dedicated 36 years of his life to supporting President Museveni and remains committed to the NRM.
However, his efforts to maintain calm have done little to ease the growing tensions among residents, who feel increasingly marginalized.
Mr. Lyada Moses, a former MP candidate and regional coordinator for the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been vocal in expressing the frustrations of Butaleja’s people.
He asserts that his group does not oppose the president’s visit; rather, they are critical of the plan to limit discussions to a few selected leaders. Lyada argues that these leaders, who frequently meet with the president, have failed to address the community’s pressing needs, such as infrastructure development and economic support.
He believes that the community deserves a direct opportunity to voice their concerns. “A hungry stomach has no ears,” he emphasized, highlighting the urgent issues residents face.
In a recent interview, Lyada lamented, “People should not be threatened over reaching their voices to the fountain of honour.
He last visited Butaleja during Tarehe Sita, and it’s unfair for Bunyole after all this time for him to again just meet a few individuals.” He articulated a strong desire for the president to hear from the general public, particularly about critical issues like the tarmac road from Namutumba to Lwangoli and the need for an industrial park.
Adding to the chorus of discontent, Mr. Habagaya Silvester Ibrahim, a former LC3 Chairman for Kachonga Subcounty, expressed doubt about the commitment of local leaders to represent the people’s needs. “The idea of President Museveni meeting only selected leaders is bad,” he stated.
He believes that the opportunity to meet the president should be open to everyone, allowing residents to present their issues directly, rather than relying on leaders who have historically failed to advocate for their constituents.
Social activist Anselm Wabwire echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the tendency of NRM leaders to monopolize the president’s visits. He pointed out that while they appreciate the accomplishments achieved under Museveni’s leadership, such as the renovation of Busolwe Hospital, there are still many unaddressed challenges, including educational decline and poor road networks. “We want a public visit. This time, we want to meet him and tell him what we need,” Wabwire insisted.
Hajji Walugo, while defending his position, paid tribute to Mr. Lyada’s late father, Eldard Nalume, for his long-standing support of the NRM. “Your late father was a strong supporter of the NRM. He was a man of peace and a dedicated servant,” Walugo said, recognizing the family’s contributions to the party.
As the date of the president’s visit approaches, the pressure is mounting on the NRM leadership in Butaleja to address the concerns of the community. With threats of protests looming, the NRM must navigate these tensions carefully to avoid a backlash from constituents who feel their voices have been ignored. The message is clear: actions speak louder than words, and the time for the NRM to act is now.
