Rogers Byamukama, Masindi municipality chairman and NRM flag bearer for the parliamentary race, has urged voters in Masindi to vote wisely in the forthcoming elections if they hope to secure more government services and ministerial positions from President Museveni’s administration.
Byamukama pointed out that in 2021, no political leader from Masindi was appointed a minister—a sharp contrast to previous administrations—despite his own strong electoral showing of 62%, down from historic highs of over 90%.
He suggested that such outcomes are influenced by voting patterns and encouraged voters to consider backing Museveni for president.
“While we still demand more from government, such as power in the municipality, roads, water source extensions, and Masindi market, President Museveni has done a lot for Masindi,” Byamukama said.
"The hospital has been considered, villagers are receiving financial support, and people can sleep without fear."
He emphasized the importance of electing NRM candidates to parliamentary and local council positions, linking support for the party to the prospect of ministerial appointments and development benefits for Masindi.
Byamukama cited previous ministers from the district, including Elisha Kaahwa, Kabakumba Matsiko, Ernest Kiiza, and Nyira Ziribabel, noting that in recent years the district has had minimal representation except for the appointment of Balaam Barugahara as State Minister for Youth.
During his visit to Butobe village in Kikwaya Parish, Nyangahya Division, local leaders petitioned Byamukama to advocate for splitting the two parishes, Kikwaya and Kiryanga, and Butobe village itself, arguing that smaller administrative units would make government services more accessible.
Benardo Mugisa, Butobe village committee leader, said, “Butobe is very big. One chairman managing the entire village without proper facilitation makes it hard for people to access services. Splitting it into Butobe A and B would bring services closer to the population.”
Byamukama supported the proposal, promising to push for the parish and village splits if elected to parliament.
He highlighted that large populations in existing parishes make it difficult to distribute public funds equitably, citing Kikwaya with 15 villages and Kiryanga with nine.
“In Uganda, some parishes have six or fewer villages. Splitting these large parishes will allow people to benefit more from PDM funds and other development initiatives,” he said.