Kabale -Residents of Rubaya Sub-county in Ndorwa County West have openly criticized the incumbent Member of Parliament, Hon. David Bahati, accusing him of failing to deliver on key pledges despite serving in Parliament for more than two decades.
The concerns were raised today during a campaign trail by the NRM flag bearer for Ndorwa County West, Eliab Naturinda Mporera, as he mobilized support ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 15.
Speaking to our reporter, residents including Jasper Niwemurinzi, the LC3 Councillor for Kitoma Parish and Speaker of Rubaya Sub-county, said the area has remained largely underdeveloped despite repeated promises from the legislator.
“For over 20 years, we have been promised water, electricity, and better roads, but nothing has changed. We are tired of empty pledges,” Niwemurinzi said.
Morius Tushabowe, a Village Health Team (VHT) member from Itara Village, expressed frustration over the stalled piped water project.
He explained that residents were mobilized to dig trenches where water pipes were to pass, but although the pipes were delivered, no water has ever flowed.
“We were asked to dig trenches for the pipes, and we did our part. The pipes are there, but there is no water. Up to now, people are still struggling to access clean water,” Tushabowe noted.
Residents also decried the poor state of the Burimba Road, which they said has remained impassable for years. Ronald Kwarikunda from Mburashasha Village said the road has negatively affected transportation and trade.
“They promised to install culverts to fix this road, but none have been brought. Transporting our produce is very difficult, and this affects our income,” Kwarikunda said.
Concerns were further raised about the health sector, with Syrin Nayakyira from Mburashasha Village citing frequent drug shortages at health facilities.
“Sometimes patients are carried on bicycles or wooden stretchers because roads are bad and health centres lack medicines. This is dangerous and unacceptable,” she said.
Residents also mentioned the long-standing promise of a ferry on Lake Bunyonyi, which they said was first pledged by the President and later echoed by Hon. Bahati without any progress.
“The ferry has been talked about for years, but it remains a campaign promise that has never been fulfilled,” one resident remarked.
The residents said the unresolved issues have severely affected service delivery and livelihoods in Rubaya Sub-county, increasing calls for change as the election period approaches.Responding to the concerns, Eliab Naturinda Mporera assured residents that he would prioritize service delivery if elected.
“The people of Rubaya deserve better services. If entrusted with leadership, I will work to improve water access, roads, health services, and electricity to boost household incomes,” Mporera said.
As campaigns intensify, residents say they will closely scrutinize candidates’ commitments, hoping the next leadership will turn promises into tangible development.
