Bujumba County MP Willy Lugoloobi has accused leaders elected on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket in Kalangala District of failing to follow through on key government and donor-funded projects, allegedly costing the district development opportunities worth more than Shs266 billion.
Speaking during NRM mobilisation meetings ahead of the June 24 Kalangala Woman MP by-election, Lugoloobi said the island district had been poised for major economic transformation before the 2021 elections, but several initiatives stalled following a change in local leadership.
According to the legislator, the biggest setback was the collapse of a proposed aquapark project valued at €49 million (approximately Shs212.6 billion). The project was expected to comprise a fish hatchery, fish processing factory, feed storage facilities and a workshop, and was projected to create thousands of jobs while helping curb illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.
Lugoloobi claimed that although the project had already been launched and preliminary works undertaken, leaders elected under the NUP banner failed to sustain engagement with government agencies and investors, ultimately leading to its abandonment.
He also said Kalangala missed an opportunity to secure funding for a district hospital despite the completion of land acquisition and title verification processes. As a result, residents continue to travel long distances by water to access specialised medical services on the mainland.
The MP further alleged that the district lost out on Shs54 billion earmarked for the expansion of palm oil cultivation in Kyamuswa and failed to realise the Lutoboka–Mulabana road project, even after survey works had been completed.
Lugoloobi described the stalled initiatives as missed opportunities that could have significantly improved livelihoods and accelerated socio-economic development in the island district. He urged voters to elect leaders capable of effectively lobbying government and ensuring close supervision of development programmes.
His remarks come as the NRM intensifies campaigns across Kalangala ahead of next week’s Woman MP by-election, which party leaders say is important for strengthening government representation in the district.
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