Following the recent victory of National Unity Platform’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola in the Kawempe North by-election, NRM Secretary-General Richard Todwong has acknowledged that the government must do more to regain support in the Buganda region and its surrounding areas.
Todwong stressed that significant improvements are needed in service delivery, particularly in areas such as road infrastructure, urban planning, healthcare, and education.
Reflecting on the party’s campaign efforts, he noted that the complexities of the Buganda region require a deeper understanding by the government and all stakeholders involved in addressing these challenges.
Using comparisons to cities like Nairobi, Juba, and even some developed nations, Todwong pointed out that the influx of people from other regions into Kampala has placed immense pressure on the city, particularly in terms of infrastructure and service provision.
He argued that the government must extend better services beyond Kampala to alleviate the strain on the capital.
On the issue of understanding the dynamics of Buganda and Kampala, Todwong called for a more honest and transparent approach by the government in addressing the region’s crises.
"We need to be open to the people in Buganda. They need to understand how the government works, its priorities, and the demands of the people," he stated.
Todwong also alluded to the widespread issue of corruption, which he claimed diverts vital resources from much-needed services.
He urged Parliament to begin addressing the concerns of Buganda by ensuring that regional needs are factored into national planning.
His comments follow a recent underperformance by the NRM in Buganda, and Todwong expressed the need for a new approach to regain the region’s trust and support.