Former legislator Michael Mabikke, now contesting for the Makindye East parliamentary seat under the Democratic Front, has pledged to push for improved education access and stronger social support for the urban poor if elected back to Parliament.
Appearing on the Makindye East Debate on NBS TV, Mabikke said his top priority is to ensure that every parish in the constituency has a Universal Primary Education (UPE) school, noting that half of the area’s parishes currently lack one.
“Every parish must have a UPE school. Makindye East has 10 parishes but with only 5 UPE schools,” he said, describing the shortage as a major barrier to equal access to education.
Mabikke defended his political record, clarifying that he was never voted out of the constituency but rather chose to run for Mayor after serving two terms as MP.
“I was never ejected from Makindye East. I switched positions to Mayor. It was under my term that Parliament debated and passed the policy on UPE and USE,” he noted.
He also called for government programs to focus more on the urban poor, saying that poverty and unemployment continue to undermine the welfare of city dwellers.
“I am a strong believer that the government should start taking care of the urban poor,” Mabikke said.
The former legislator highlighted his long history in politics and activism, saying he was among the founders of the People Power movement, which later evolved into the National Unity Platform (NUP).
“I served Makindye East for two terms. I am a founder member of many establishments including People Power. I wear very many hats and I am back to represent the people of Makindye East in Parliament,” Mabikke added.