Kyotera District, established in 2017 with the aim of improving local service delivery and bringing government services closer to the community, is now marking its seventh anniversary.
However, the celebrations are overshadowed by growing frustrations among residents who feel that the district has not lived up to its promises.
Despite the initial optimism surrounding its creation, the district continues to face significant challenges, particularly in infrastructure, water access, and overall development.
As residents reflect on the past seven years, their calls for better service delivery and stronger accountability from elected leaders have never been more urgent.
Originally formed with high expectations to improve the lives of ordinary citizens, Kyotera now faces widespread criticism for its underdeveloped infrastructure and slow progress.
Many residents report that roads are in poor condition, turning into muddy trenches during the rainy season, while access to clean water remains limited.
In some areas, people are still forced to share water sources with cattle, a situation many find disheartening.
“When you get to Kyotera, the roads become impassable, and water is often shared with cattle. It’s really disheartening—Kyotera feels like a slap in the face,” said one frustrated resident, reflecting the sentiments of many in the district.
Although some improvements were noted in the district’s first three years, residents say progress has since stalled.
Many are concerned that the anticipated growth and development have not materialized, leaving the community disappointed.
Mulindwa Terimulungi, a local leader, blamed poor leadership and a lack of accountability among elected officials for the district’s ongoing challenges.
He also criticized voters for failing to hold their leaders accountable for their promises.
“All the problems are caused by the leaders who don’t care to help. The elected officials disappear after the elections,” Terimulungi said.
“Voters also fail to speak out when they see their leaders neglecting them. They think their elected leaders will do more than they actually do, but nothing changes.”
The lack of development in Kyotera reflects broader governance and leadership issues in Buganda.
Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo, Uganda’s Minister of Microfinance, pointed to a peculiar trend in the Buganda region where voters often neglect their leaders after electing them, further exacerbating gaps in service delivery.
“It’s strange that in Buganda, voters abandon their leaders after they’ve been elected, leaving them without the support needed to fulfill their promises,” Kasolo remarked.
“Even leaders who have worked hard for the people, like Rebecca Kadaga and Moses Ali, are often neglected by the voters.”
Despite the concerns, both residents and leaders are calling for greater accountability and dedication from district officials to ensure that Kyotera meets the promises that led to its creation.
As the district marks its seven-year anniversary, attention is turning to the urgent needs of the population, including better roads, improved access to clean water, and enhanced educational services.
Achieving these goals will require a concerted effort from both local leaders and the community to ensure meaningful progress in the years ahead.