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Busia MP pledges part of salary to fund community development
Hamala encouraged constituents to establish income-generating groups, saying he would use part of his salary to support them in addition to encouraging them to embrace ongoing government programmes.
Hamala encouraged constituents to establish income-generating groups, saying he would use part of his salary to support them in addition to encouraging them to embrace ongoing government programmes. (Credit: Egessa Hajusu)
By: Egessa Hajusu, Journalist @New Vision
BUSIA - Samia Bugwe Central MP Richard Wanyama Hamala has pledged to use part of his parliamentary salary to support community development projects, urging residents to form income-generating groups that can benefit from his financial support alongside government programmes.
Hamala made the commitment on June 27, 2026, during a thanksgiving ceremony he organised at the Masafu town council playground in Busia district.
The legislator appealed to constituents to be patient with him, noting that he has been in Parliament for only one month.
He said some residents had already started complaining that he had done little, despite having only recently assumed office.
Hamala encouraged constituents to establish income-generating groups, saying he would use part of his salary to support them in addition to encouraging them to embrace ongoing government programmes.
He, however, did not provide details on the amount he intends to commit from his salary, how the funds would be administered, or the timeline for implementing the initiative.
Retired former principal judge James Ogoola urged Hamala to emulate his late father, Spirya Wanyama, whom he described as a dedicated public servant who served Bukedi district with distinction as the Uganda People's Congress secretary general for Bukedi in the late 1960s.
"Your late father has passed the relay baton on to you therefore ensure to leave behind the same legacy when your time to leave office comes," Ogoola said.
Ogoola also advised the MP not to cling to power if his constituents decide that it is time for him to leave office.
Speaking at the same function, National Resistance Movement (NRM) national treasurer Barbara Nekesa Oundo appealed to voters in Busia district to consolidate the party's support by electing NRM candidates in the forthcoming local council 1 and women council elections.
He, however, did not provide details on the amount he intends to commit from his salary, how the funds would be administered, or the timeline for implementing the initiative.
Retired former principal judge James Ogoola urged Hamala to emulate his late father, Spirya Wanyama, whom he described as a dedicated public servant who served Bukedi district with distinction as the Uganda People's Congress secretary general for Bukedi in the late 1960s.
"Your late father has passed the relay baton on to you therefore ensure to leave behind the same legacy when your time to leave office comes," Ogoola said.
Ogoola also advised the MP not to cling to power if his constituents decide that it is time for him to leave office.
Speaking at the same function, National Resistance Movement (NRM) national treasurer Barbara Nekesa Oundo appealed to voters in Busia district to consolidate the party's support by electing NRM candidates in the forthcoming local council 1 and women council elections.
MP Richard Wanyama Hamala (Credit: Egessa Hajusu)
She said NRM village chairpersons would be better placed to mobilise residents to apply for Parish Development Model funds because they understand that the allocation has increased from sh100 million to sh200 million per parish.
"Electing the opposition people to be village chairperson will not help because they lack interest in whatever the NRM government does," she said.
Nekesa appealed to Hamala to serve all constituents equally, regardless of whether they voted for him, and pledged continued support for Members of Parliament who prioritise the welfare of their people.
She, however, cautioned politicians who only appear during election periods to demonstrate concern for residents, saying leaders can serve their communities even when they are not Members of Parliament.
The State Minister for Transport and Samia Bugwe South MP, Julius Maganda, appealed to Members of Parliament from Busia district to work together, saying unity was essential for effective service delivery.
He said disunity among MPs during the Ninth Parliament had undermined efforts to advance the district's interests.
Maganda expressed confidence that the district's five MPs would work collectively and deliver results that would earn them another term in office.
He also said the government was committed to opening another customs post in Samia Bugwe South and revealed that construction of the five-kilometre Lumino-Mulwanda road would begin soon, although compensation would only be paid after two years.
Maganda further advised Busia Municipality to develop a physical development plan and expand its boundaries to strengthen its case for city status.
He said the municipality is currently one of the smallest in the country and does not meet the requirements for elevation to a city.