National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates in Masaka District have concluded their campaign activities with a final rally at Lambu landing site in Bukakata Sub-county, pledging improved service delivery if elected in the forthcoming elections.
The rally drew thousands of supporters and was led by Bukoto East Member of Parliament Ronald Evans Kanyike and Masaka District Woman Member of Parliament Joan Namutaawe.
The leaders used the final stretch of the campaign to urge voters to back NUP candidates at all levels, arguing that a stronger party presence would translate into more effective representation.
Kanyike told residents that Masaka’s pressing challenges lie in health services, road infrastructure, education and agriculture, sectors he said require urgent policy attention.
He noted that agriculture, particularly coffee farming, would be a key focus in the next parliamentary term, alongside policies aimed at improving the welfare of women and youth, whom he described as central to the district’s economic growth.
Namutaawe raised concern over the continued deployment of the army on Lake Victoria, saying it has negatively affected fishing communities.
She said fishermen have faced harsh conditions and called on President Museveni to assent to legislation passed by Parliament seeking the withdrawal of the army from the lake after the elections.
She also urged voters to be cautious at the polls and elect leaders capable of speaking out on issues affecting local livelihoods.
Masaka District Speaker and District Chairperson aspirant Francis Kimuli said communities along the lake have suffered displacement, with some residents losing their lives and property, while others have been forced out of fishing.
He also condemned what he described as widespread land grabbing, saying it has deepened socio-economic challenges in the district.
Bukakata Sub-county Chairperson aspirant Dr James Mwasa and other local leaders pointed to poor health service delivery, citing understaffed and under-equipped health facilities.
They said improving healthcare access would be among their top priorities if voted into office.
The Lambu rally marked the end of NUP’s campaign activities in Masaka District, as candidates now turn their focus to polling day.