Busiro East Member of Parliament Medard Lubega Ssegona has defended his long tenure in Parliament, pushing back against critics during a campaign rally in Buddo and questioning why voters continue to support him if his leadership is in doubt.
Addressing supporters, Ssegona responded to claims that he has served for too long, noting that he has been in Parliament for about 15 years.
“Those who say I’ve served too long—why then do they all vote in every election that happens?” he asked, drawing applause from the crowd.
In a combative address, Ssegona also took aim at fellow politician Kiyimba, referring to events during the current parliamentary term that began in 2021.
He claimed he intervened when government agencies threatened to evict residents from swamp land, saying Kiyimba was among those affected.
“I helped that fool,” Ssegona said, before criticising Kiyimba for later accusing him of failing to provide an ambulance. He said the matter had been clarified in official records.
Ssegona insisted that procuring ambulances is a responsibility of government institutions, not individual legislators.
“Buying an ambulance is not my job. People should be careful when making such claims,” he said, adding in Luganda: “Njagala twogeere ebyamageezi, era silimukogeera nabo abalekana,” loosely translated as, “I want us to speak intelligently; I don’t engage with people who are looking for fights.”
During a question-and-answer session, a registered voter identified as Bukenya Brain challenged the MP on whether he would consider stepping aside after the current term. Ssegona responded by again questioning voters’ choices.
“If you want me to leave, why do you also keep voting in all elections?” he said.
Despite the tense exchanges, the rally also featured praise for the MP. Ssekaayi Simon, a resident, credited Ssegona for lobbying for electricity extension in rural parts of the area, saying the development had improved livelihoods.
The Buddo rally underscored growing political tension in Busiro East, where veteran politicians are increasingly being challenged by calls for generational change, even as they continue to command support from sections of the electorate.