The Mbarara City Member of Parliament, Ritah Atukwasa Bwahika, has decried the increasing number of political brokers who assume that without them, a candidate can lose support from the areas they reside in and ‘command’.
Atukwasa made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Thursday in Mbarara City.
She noted that while money in politics is important given the needs like facilitating campaigners and movement, among others she highlighted the need to guard against people who demand money in exchange for support from their followers.
“Money is a useful tool in campaigning, but I think what people refer to when they say monetization of politics is when it involves buying people. Some people are brokers. They will tell you, ‘For me, if you give me Shs 30 million, I will bring you my entire ward.’ There is no such a thing,” Atukwasa said.
“You must go and reach where the people are and ask for their vote, and they will give it to you. Convince them that you will be able to offer the right and desired services,” she added.
Atukwasa also highlighted the vice of bribery, which she said should concern both candidates and voters. She urged voters to avoid candidates who seek to be elected based on the little money they distribute, instead of their capacity to lobby, conduct oversight, and represent their constituents’ concerns.
“When it comes to bribery, it is a big issue. It concerns all the voters and the candidates. I implore people that we should choose leaders who are able to commit and provide services—leaders who can raise the people’s concerns in Parliament, be present, do oversight, and argue for budgets to be included in the national cake,” Atukwasa said.
With the new National Resistance Movement (NRM) mode of primary elections involving joint campaigns, Atukwasa welcomed the idea, saying it will promote brotherhood and minimize malice and propaganda against opponents.
“It is good for leaders to contain each other in one space. That brings more levels of tolerance. It also alleviates propaganda, where you find candidates spreading false rumours or engaging in smear campaigns against each other,” Atukwasa said.
“So if you have a joint rally, each one of you is able to stand amid the crowd and explain themselves. It is a good mechanism to bring sisterhood and brotherhood into the race,” she added.
She urged supporters to desist from violence and instead give audience to all candidates.
“I urge the supporters to give audience to those they don’t support—not judging people by looks or their dress code, but by what they have to offer and how they articulate it,” Atukwasa said.
Atukwasa was giving an accountability report on what she has been able to do for the people of Mbarara City, which includes support towards women empowerment, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education, along with her oversight role and legislative work in the 11th Parliament.