National Peasants Party presidential candidate Robert Kasibante has raised concerns about what he describes as persistent regional imbalance in Uganda, arguing that several areas remain underdeveloped despite nearly four decades under the National Resistance Movement government.
Kasibante, who says he has campaigned in eight regions so far, expressed disappointment at the slow pace of development in Sebei, Busoga, Bukedi, Bugisu, Acholi and Lango.
He noted that these regions continue to grapple with challenges that have existed for decades, with little evidence of transformative intervention.
In Sebei, Kasibante criticised the government for prioritising inter-district road construction while neglecting feeder roads, which he said are vital for a mountainous region dependent on agriculture. Poor feeder roads, he noted, continue to hinder the movement of produce in Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo.
He also pointed out that Sebei’s rich tourism and athletic potential has not been meaningfully harnessed. Despite producing internationally recognised medalists, he said, the region lacks deliberate programs to support talent development or promote tourism.
Kasibante extended his concerns to Teso, Acholi, Bukedi and Lango, where the widespread use of grass-thatched houses persists. He argued that many residents would adopt iron-roofed homes if they had the economic means. Once vibrant cattle-keeping regions, he said, many households today do not own even a single cow.
He questioned the absence of a comprehensive plan to restore or replace the cattle economy, which historically sustained livelihoods and cultural identity.
While concluding a section of his campaign in Otuke, Kasibante said he was disheartened to find that residents still rely heavily on subsistence farming, despite the presence of a presidential demonstration farm. He observed that unstable markets and unpredictable produce prices further discourage agricultural progress.
He also criticised the poor state of the major road linking districts such as Alebtong and Otuke to Lira City, arguing that the road’s condition undermines trade and mobility.
“There is need to unlock the potentials of these regions because in Kapchorwa, for example, there are many talents here and it has the potential of attracting tourists. It’s just an issue of training people how to tap into this opportunity and supporting tourism,” he said.
Kasibante also called for an urgent resolution to the long-standing issue of cattle compensation in Lango, Teso and Acholi. He said many locals associate their continued poverty with the loss of cattle and that addressing compensation or introducing meaningful economic alternatives is crucial for regional recovery.
He concluded that a deliberate focus on regional balance is necessary to address historical inequalities. By tackling region-specific challenges, he said, Uganda can unlock local potential and ensure fairer development across the country.