Masindi new leaders promise end to costly political conflicts

________________

The recent elections in Masindi district and Masindi Municipality have ushered in a major change in top leadership, sparking renewed hope among residents.

For more than a decade, persistent internal conflicts within the district and municipal leadership have undermined service delivery. The previous term was characterised by bitter disputes between the district chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhanga, Masindi Municipality mayor Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo, and district technocrats.

At one point, Byaruhanga publicly warned mayor Businge against interfering in district affairs, arguing that such actions had fuelled serious disagreements between councillors and the district chairperson.

Masindi Municplaity residents attending the thanksgiving for mayor-elect Rogers Amanyire. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

Several of the district-level disputes also involved Byaruhanga and district council speaker Moses Kiirya. Speaker Kiirya commanded the support of a large bloc of councillors, which often resulted in the rejection of district proposals.

All the key figures associated with these long-running disputes have since been voted out. Outgoing LC5 chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga has been replaced by Patrick Wobusobozi, who was elected as an independent candidate. Byaruhanga did not seek re-election for the LC5 seat, instead contesting for the Masindi Municipality parliamentary seat as an independent, where he finished last.

Masindi Municipality mayor Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo was also unseated and replaced by Rogers Amanyire, who was elected on the NRM ticket. District speaker Moses Kiirya similarly lost his bid for the LC5 position, finishing third.

Despite being a long-established town, Masindi has lagged behind in benefiting from key government projects such as the Uganda Support to Municipalities Infrastructure Development Programme (USMID), which could have significantly transformed the municipality. Other major projects that have eluded the district include a modern market and a well-equipped hospital.

Residents have repeatedly blamed these shortcomings on prolonged infighting among elected leaders. For years, Masindi has been plagued by disputes involving the LC5 chairperson, mayor, speakers, Members of Parliament and technocrats.

Against this backdrop, the newly elected leaders have pledged to set aside differences and prioritise service delivery.

"I am pledging total teamwork. I have come to make a difference, and I promise to work with all of you. Let's put away all the differences and focus on developing Masindi," said Amanyire, the newly elected mayor of Masindi Municipality, during his thanksgiving ceremony at his home in Kayanja cell.

He also pledged to promote transparency, accountability and the involvement of residents in municipal activities.

Speaking at the same event, newly elected LC5 chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi called for harmony between the district and municipal leadership, noting that the two institutions are meant to work together.

"Let's put away the differences we have been witnessing and focus on the local person. My hands are open and ready to work with everyone for the betterment of the people of Masindi," he said, adding that the years of persistent infighting had been a total loss for the electorate.

Outgoing chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga commended voters for electing new leaders, saying they had done their part and that the incoming leadership should build on what was already in place. He, however, expressed concern over low voter turnout.

"Service delivery revolves around politics. Let's always embrace elections if we are to get good leaders. Now we have new leaders. make sure you support, and it should also work for the people," said Byaruhanga.

Rogers Byamukama (left) the MP-elect Masindi municipality with Patrick Wobusobozi (centre) the LCV-elect and Aled Akugizibwe, the MP Buruli county. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

Rogers Byamukama, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Masindi Municipality, pledged to work closely with both the district and municipal leadership to lobby for central government projects, which often require a united front.

Buruli County MP Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, who secured a second term, challenged local government leaders to fully utilise Members of Parliament to advance development priorities.

Several residents who spoke to New Vision expressed optimism about the new leadership, saying internal conflicts had cost Masindi dearly.

"I am happy that the local leaders who have been initiating the unnecessary fights have all been voted out. We are expecting a lot from these leaders because they have already shown us that they are going to work together," said David Mujuni from Kijenga Village in Miirya sub-county.

James Aliguma from Kisindizi village in Pakanyi sub-county urged the new leaders to focus on lobbying for major development projects from central government.