Residents of Kassanda District have called on newly elected leaders to prioritise service delivery and fulfil campaign promises, pointing to poor roads, weak healthcare services and challenges in the education sector as major concerns.
The residents argue that despite Kassanda being elevated to district status in 2016 after being carved out of Mubende District, many communities have experienced limited improvement in essential services and infrastructure.
Before its elevation, Kassanda operated as a county under Mubende District. Today, it comprises 12 sub-counties, three town councils including Kiganda, Bukuya and Kassanda Town Council, 92 parishes and 565 villages, serving an estimated population of more than 189,000 people.
However, residents say the anticipated development has not yet materialised.
“We expected better roads, improved health facilities, and better schools after getting our own district, but many areas are still struggling,” said Umar Kakande, a resident. “People are losing hope because services remain poor.”
Others pointed to the deteriorating road network, understaffed health facilities and inadequate learning infrastructure as persistent challenges affecting livelihoods.
Some residents also accused past leaders of failing to effectively lobby for development projects.
“Some leaders have been in office for years, but they have not helped the district progress,” said Ivan Kirigwajo. “Kassanda still looks neglected despite its potential.”
Kassanda is also known for its rich gold deposits, with mining activities ongoing in several areas. However, residents say mineral wealth has not translated into improved living conditions.
“We see gold being mined every day, but the ordinary residents are not benefiting,” a local leader said. “People want to see roads, hospitals and schools improved using the wealth from this district.”
The district has three parliamentary constituencies: Kassanda South, Kassanda North and Bukuya County.
In the recently concluded elections, Abdul Bisaso defeated former Kassanda South legislator Frank Kabuye of the National Unity Platform (NUP). Patrick Nsamba Oshabe retained Kassanda North, while Michael Yiga Kyazze of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) also returned to Parliament for Bukuya County.
In the Woman MP race, former legislator Flavia Kalule Nabagabe lost to Rebecca Atukunda of the NRM.
Residents now say they are placing hope in the new leadership to address long-standing gaps in service delivery.
Speaking during his thanksgiving ceremony in Kakungube Village, Nalutuntu Sub-county, Abdul Bisaso pledged to focus on addressing community concerns.
“My priority is to work on the concerns raised by the people, especially improving services and ensuring development reaches communities,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by several guests, including Prince Henry Kayondo, who commended Bisaso for his victory and urged leaders to remain committed to service delivery and development in Kassanda.
