Jinja, Uganda — Tensions are rising in Kagoma County, Jinja District, Eastern Uganda, after constituents rejected hand hoes distributed by their area Member of Parliament, Mr. Moses Walyomu Muwanika. The tools, intended to help residents prepare for the planting season, have instead sparked frustration and criticism from the electorate.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Denis Kafuko, one of the vocal constituents, dismissed the gesture as inadequate and repetitive.
> “I'm not the only one who rejected the hoe; most households did,” Kafuko said. “We're tired of just receiving hoes. We need more productive support. Why do we always get hoes? After three years, one hoe is insufficient. We're saying no to these hoes. Let him take his hoes back."
Many residents echoed Mr. Kafuko’s sentiments, accusing the MP of only surfacing in the constituency during election seasons.
> “Our MP is uncooperative and only shows up during campaign season,” Kafuko added. “We're fed up with his lack of presence and want him to know we're unhappy with his performance. We've managed to survive without his support for three years, and we're confident we can finish this term without his support.”
The backlash highlights growing dissatisfaction with what locals perceive as tokenistic support from their elected representative. Community members are calling for more sustainable development efforts such as improved access to markets, farming inputs, and financial empowerment programs.
Mr. Walyomu has yet to respond to the criticism.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between politicians and their constituents over the quality and consistency of service delivery in rural Uganda.
