(Masindi) – Ugandan politics and begging for favors go together like Matooke and groundnut sauce. The latest episode comes from the LC1 chairpersons of Masindi District, who, in a plea that could rival a soap opera on Bukedde TV, have called upon President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to let them dip into the juicy funds of the Parish Development Model (PDM). You see, while they are the ones signing off on who gets the money, they are not getting a single cent themselves. Now, isn’t that like being the chef but not being allowed to taste the food?
Fred Byarufu, the chairperson of the Central Cell in Masindi municipality, is leading the chorus of disappointed local leaders. In his heartfelt appeal, which could easily pass as a tear jerking Lunyoro drama script, Byarufu pointed out the irony of the situation: “We are the ones who sign for the beneficiaries, but when we apply, the implementers say we don’t qualify. We are given only UGX 10,000. How can someone earning so little not qualify for PDM?” Byarufu lamented, probably with a tear in his eye and a trembling voice for effect.
It’s the classic Ugandan tale of the haves and have nots, only this time, the haves are the ones in charge of distributing the goodies. Imagine being the gatekeeper to a buffet but being told you’re not allowed to grab a plate! It’s a situation as unfair as a boda boda guy being denied his Katogo after a long night shift.
Byarufu’s plea came during President Museveni’s visit to Masindi, where he was invited by the ever busy Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara. Balaam, who is known for pulling crowds like a political Bobi Wine concert, nodded in agreement as Byarufu laid out the grievances of the LC1 chairpersons. Balaam, ever the diplomat, even revealed that 14 SACCOs for LC1 chairpersons had already been formed across the district, but alas, no funds were forthcoming.
The Table of Discontent:
| Request | Details |
|---|---|
| LC1 Chairpersons Want PDM Money | LC1 chairpersons sign for others but can’t benefit from PDM, despite earning meager incomes. |
| Unfulfilled Presidential Pledges | Masindi-Rwensororo Road, schools, and churches destroyed during the NRA war still unrepaired. |
| Key Development Priorities | Construction of Masindi Hospital, modern market, and improvement of infrastructure via USMID. |
| Falling Commodity Prices | Sugarcane prices drop from sh200,000 to sh100,000; maize prices fall from sh1,000 to sh500. |
And then came Cosmas Byaruhanga, the LCV chairperson, with his own laundry list of unfulfilled presidential promises. He didn’t hold back as he reminded the President about the Masindi-Rwensororo road, the construction of schools and churches destroyed during the NRA war, and the long overdue upgrade of Masindi Hospital. Byaruhanga’s speech was a bit like one of those family meetings where you list all the things your sibling borrowed but never returned.
Byaruhanga also didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room: fluctuating commodity prices. Sugarcane and maize farmers in Masindi are feeling the pinch as prices have plummeted. “Sugarcane prices have dropped from over UGX 200,000 to UGX 100,000, and maize prices have dropped from UGX 1,000 to UGX 500,” he explained, leaving everyone wondering if the days of decent harvest profits are long gone, like those old lorries that used to ferry Matooke before boda bodas took over.
The president, in his usual laid back but firm style, told the leaders to focus on increasing household income, as if that hadn’t already crossed their minds. “You need to put much emphasis on household income. Mobilise people to embrace PDM because it’s the only solution towards household poverty,” Museveni lectured, leaving many in the crowd nodding like school children being reminded to do their homework.
Museveni wasn’t finished. He handed out 14 tractors to farmer groups, religious leaders, SACCOs, and youth groups. This being Uganda, it is not clear how many of these tractors will actually make it to the farms, and how many will be parked behind LC1 offices, gathering dust.
And for the livestock farmers in Kijunjubwa who requested to be connected to the national grid (because, let’s face it, no one wants spoiled milk when you’re trying to run a dairy business), Museveni promised that they would be connected “soonest.” That’s Ugandan speak for “you’ll get it sometime between now and the next election.”
With all these promises in the air, one wonders whether Masindi will finally get the upgrades it deserves or whether this will become just another chapter in Uganda’s long history of unfulfilled pledges. As for the LC1 chairpersons, it remains to be seen whether their cries for PDM cash will be heard or whether they’ll be left like that one relative who’s always excluded from the Kasiki guest list.
