Conservative Party presidential candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi has scoffed at residents of Nakaseke and Nakasongola for consistently voting for President Yoweri Museveni despite what he described as persistent poor service delivery in the two districts.
Nakaseke and Nakasongola were major battlegrounds during the National Resistance Army war of 1981–1986, and since then, the area has remained one of Museveni’s strongest support bases. In the 2021 general elections, Museveni secured 35,823 votes (65.18%) in Nakasongola, while National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Robert Kyagulanyi received 18,213 votes (33.14%). In Nakaseke, Museveni won with 38,009 votes (53.1%) against Kyagulanyi’s 32,063 votes (45.1%).
Campaigning in Kiruli Village, Kikamulo Sub-county, Nakaseke District on Friday, Mabirizi said he was shocked that residents continue to support the NRM government despite what he called glaring gaps in service delivery.
He cited the poor road network in both districts, which he referred to as the “NRM’s Mecca,” yet still heavily affected by floods and poor maintenance.
“This is the NRM Mecca, but what I see is unbelievable. I wonder why you still vote for Museveni. Some roads in Nakasongola are completely cut off by floods, and we had to use longer routes to reach voters. It is surprising that with such a road network you are still singing NRM,” Mabirizi told cheering supporters.
He further claimed that funds meant for public services are often stolen, leaving residents to suffer the consequences.
“These are the same areas affected by land grabbing and many other challenges. Once you vote for me, I will introduce a federal system so you can address issues affecting you directly. I will also introduce a law to protect your land rights,” he added.
However, NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko defended the government’s performance, arguing that both districts have registered significant progress since 1986.
She outlined key gains, including the increase in UPE schools from 30 in 1986 to 488 today, and the expansion of health centres from 5 in 1986 to 88 across Greater Luwero. Namayanja also noted that clean water points have grown from 27 in 1986 to more than 2,000, while the government has disbursed 72 billion shillings under the Parish Development Model across the three districts in Greater Luwero.
Regarding the road sector, she said Nakasongola’s road network now stands at 1,920 kilometres, while Nakaseke has 1,849 kilometres. The government allocates one billion shillings annually for road maintenance in each district.
Namayanja added that ongoing upgrades of the Luwero–Butalangu and Matugga–Semuto roads further demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure.
“These are some of the reasons why residents of Nakaseke and Nakasongola still believe Museveni is the best candidate to deliver better services,” she said.
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