Busia's Independence Eve Tensions Highlight Local Discontent Despite Military Parade Success

Story by : Harto Agathon for The Crown Media East Africa .

Busikho, Busia District – On the eve of Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations, a meeting held between district leaders and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has sparked public outcry in Busia. The meeting, which brought together constituency MPs, sub-county leaders, parish chiefs, and district officials, was marred by allegations of corruption and neglect. Locals accused their leaders of demanding money to facilitate access to the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, a government initiative aimed at poverty alleviation. Constituency MPs were also criticized for failing to represent their constituents’ interests in parliament.

During the meeting, several leaders asked for forgiveness from the prime minister, who adopted a stern tone. Nabbanja, once a Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in Busia, made it clear that she was familiar with the corruption and mismanagement issues plaguing the district. Her remarks were seen as a sharp rebuke to leaders who have failed to deliver on promises made to their communities.

However, the discontent did not end there. On Independence Day itself, local leaders were notably absent from the official proceedings. No local officials were invited to welcome the president, a move that some interpret as a deliberate attempt to avoid embarrassment. Reports suggest that Local Council (LC1) leaders had threatened to air grievances about the poor conditions in the area directly to the president. To sidestep potential disruptions, organizers brought in musicians from Kenya to perform, sidelining local artists.

Despite these tensions, there were moments of excitement during the Independence Day celebrations. The military parade was flawless, with locals captivated by the precision of the soldiers and the dynamic military displays. The crowd was particularly thrilled by the parade and other military activities, providing a brief respite from the frustrations bubbling beneath the surface.

Still, the grievances remained. Many Busia residents expressed disappointment, feeling that they did not benefit from the celebrations beyond the spectacle of the military performances. Those who attended the Independence Eve meeting with the prime minister some were given UGX 30,000 each for transport refund,

In the wake of the celebrations, many locals describe this year's Independence Day as the most disorganized in recent memory. While the military impressed, tensions between leaders and citizens have cast a shadow over what should have been a day of national pride. The disillusionment in Busia serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted issues facing local governance and development in the region.

Story by Harto Agathon for Crown Media East Africa

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