Opposition politicians in Bunyoro are rallying voters to elect more outspoken Opposition Members of Parliament, arguing that it is the only way to pressure government into fulfilling long-delayed development promises in the region.
They cite the 2021 general election as a turning point, when, for the first time in decades, three out of the region’s 28 parliamentary seats were won by Opposition candidates.
These included Hoima City Woman MP Asinansi Nyakato, Masindi Municipality MP Joab Businge, and Hoima City East MP Patrick Isingoma.
Their presence in Parliament, according to the Opposition, has forced the government to shift attention to Bunyoro's long-standing demands.
“Most of the people representing Bunyoro are just there for NRM, not for Bunyoro issues,” said Joseph Kabuleta, president of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) party.
“We need strong voices to advocate for our region.”
Among the notable government responses, Opposition leaders point to President Museveni’s recent launch of Bunyoro University in Kikuube District — a project that had been promised for decades.
They also highlight recent high-profile appointments of Banyoro figures such as Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba and CID Director Tom Magambo, which they interpret as a reaction to what some view as a protest vote in the last election.
“The president was shocked,” said MP Joab Businge. “Let’s keep the candle burning. For the first time we got a prime minister, more ministers, but also a lot of RDCs were appointed to serve as NRM mobilisers, I guess.”
National Unity Platform (NUP) Masindi coordinator Rodgers Kanti said the region has long suffered from weak leadership.
“Stop voting for sleepy NRM candidates. Vote voices of reason. We have lagged behind because of poor choice of leaders,” he said.
But NRM leaders have dismissed the Opposition’s claims, asserting that recent developments are not a result of political pressure but rather a recognition of the region’s loyalty to the ruling party.
“The appointments were just a reward for what the region has done for NRM always,” said Kabakumba Matsiko, the NRM chairperson for Masindi.
They further argue that the districts which voted for Opposition candidates are already facing disillusionment.
“When you go back to the voters who voted for Opposition, they are regretting. They thought they would deliver,” said Nelson Mandela, a political analyst in Masindi.
“What we need are not political parties but people with better agendas for the region.”
The debate underscores growing political competition in Bunyoro, where development has become a rallying point for both the Opposition and NRM ahead of future elections.