Vendors at Namawojjolo Market in Nama Sub County, Mukono District have expressed frustration over the absence of a political figure to represent their concerns, rallying around their former legislator Ronald Kibuule in a dramatic show of support and desperation.
The former State Minister for Water and Environment was intercepted by a group of vendors on Saturday as he made his way to events at Namawojjolo Islamic and Walusubi Trading Centre.
The vendors blocked his convoy, demanding that he spares time to listen to their long-standing grievances that, according to them, have remained unresolved since he left Parliament.
Among the concerns raised were the increasing number of road accidents, especially as vendors and buyers attempt to cross the busy Kampala-Jinja highway; lack of access to clean water; and being locked out of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funding.
They also pointed to rising insecurity, with reports of women being assaulted on their way home and frequent cases of petty theft.
Additionally, vendors complained about the long distances they must walk to reach the nearest health facilities.
“Ever since Kibuule left office, we have felt orphaned. There’s no one to speak for us, and no one is pushing for our concerns,” one vendor said.
In response, Kibuule pleaded for time to fulfill his earlier commitments but promised to return the following weekend for an exclusive meeting with the vendors.
His assurance was met with cheers and ululations as the vendors escorted him back to his convoy in a show of affection and hope.
Later, while addressing voters at Namawojjolo Islamic, Kibuule pledged to revisit the water crisis and the issue of inadequate medical services, describing them as parish-wide problems that demand urgent attention.
He also reminded residents of the efforts he made while still in Parliament, including lobbying for ten acres of land that had been promised by Rose Foam for community development.
However, he noted that progress on the matter stalled following his exit from active politics.
He promised to renew efforts to secure the land and also hinted at fresh initiatives to empower women, youth, and the elderly.
Kibuule’s warm reception among the vendors could signal a potential political comeback in the area, as locals seem to rally behind the hope of regaining a representative voice.
English 