(Arua) – The residents of Ambala village in Vurra sub-county, Arua District, are threatening to abstain from voting in the upcoming 2026 General Elections, citing neglect in service delivery by their elected officials. During a community engagement organized by Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD) on October 17, 2024, residents voiced their frustrations at the Ambala Church of Uganda, stating that since the 2021 elections, they have seen little to no effort from their leaders to implement the promises made during the campaigns.
Eyotre Felix Moses, a Village Health Team (VHT) member, articulated the community’s disappointment, claiming that the district has failed to provide competent political leadership. “The reason I am saying I am tired of these people and the issues of elections is that, since I started working from 2014, I have never seen any project, not even the provision of clean water. We have voted for many leaders, but they have all done nothing. Quarterly, I summarize and give reports to these leaders. There is no response to the issues presented. As a person, I feel I cannot vote because I am always wasting my vote for nothing,” he expressed during the meeting.
Mungufeni Esau, the youth leader in Ambala village, emphasized that the youth plan to mobilize against the re-election of underperforming leaders. “Our people are saying they are not going to vote again because they do not see any development. The leaders we elected came and made a lot of empty promises, but nothing has been done in this community. As the youth chairperson, we will ensure that if we vote, we choose someone who can truly care for the community,” he stated.
Edema Robert, the chairperson of LC 1 in Ambala village, supported the residents’ complaints, noting that they are justified in their grievances regarding service delivery. “They are planning to boycott voting because the leaders are not solving their problems. They need leaders who can listen to their cries. I don’t think they will not vote. But if they choose not to vote, there is nothing I can do because I cannot vote on their behalf,” he explained.
In response to the community’s frustrations, Hon. Candini Luiji, the secretary for human capital development in Arua District, encouraged the residents to seek better leadership rather than shun the elections entirely. “Voting is a fundamental right of an individual. You vote for a person of your choice. Leaders should mobilize the community to access services. If those leaders are not doing so, then that is not a leader. I appeal to you to vote out such leaders instead of sacrificing your rights to participate in elections,” Candini advised.
Elected leaders have critical roles, including policy formulation, oversight, and community mobilization to access services. The total population of Ambala village is approximately 1,385 residents, according to local records from the LC 1 and VHT.
