Butaleja district goes to the polls today to elect the Woman MP. New Vision's Daniel Edyegu sounded out voters on what they expect from the elected MP.
The by-election follows the death of Cerinah Nebanda on December 14, 2012.
The five candidates vying for the seat are Felista Namwihiri (FDC), Florence Andiru Nebanda (NRM) and independent candidates Betty Hamba, Sarah Logose and Perusi Munaba.
Stephen Wabaye, 35, farmer at Nasinge parish, Naweyo sub-county
There is inadequate water supply in this district. Even the few existent boreholes dry up during the dry season because the water table is low. The elected MP must lobby to increase water coverage in the district.
Sheikh Yusuf Umar Kwajja, 80, Busolwe town council
The livelihood of the elderly and other people in general, in rural areas, is worse than it used to be. I hear there’s a monthly allowance for elderly people like us but I have never received a coin.
Musa Naleba, boda boda cyclist at Nabiganda stage, Kachonga sub-county
The savings schemes in this sub-county are not benefiting the poor people. They charge exorbitant subscription fees of over sh70,000 per head. This implies it is the rich benefiting. The elected MP must look into this matter.
Yosam Higenyi, Boda boda cyclist at Busolwe town council
Whenever politicians are looking for votes, they start singing about tarmacking Namutumba-Butaleja-Mbale road. Museveni has ‘sung’ about it in all the previous elections. We need the elected MP to follow up on this matter.
Robert Laaki Mwanamweiza, 32, teacher at Nasenyi Primary School, Naweyo sub-county
Our salaries are peanuts. With the ever rising cost of living, the best gift the MP who wins this race can give the teachers is to agitate for increment of our salaries.
Madinah Namusabi, an agro-business retailer in Busolwe town council
I have been selling tomatoes, eggplants and onions since 1995 but have had no breakthrough. The profits from this trade are miserly yet there are many women here who share my plight.
Josephine Kasana, a tailor at Nampologoma trading centre, Mazimasa sub-county
Electric poles have reached this area but none of the homes away from the main road has power. The person elected must oversee the extension of electricity to rural areas at a subsidised cost.
