MUBENDE: The 2021-2026 leadership term has shown Mubende no importance of effective governance, accountability, and community participation as outlined in the NRM government manifesto. The desires for change, empowerment, and fairness, aimed at building a society that reflects the needs, hopes, and aspirations of all Mubende residents, particularly the vulnerable, marginalized, and youth are not touched.
Here is some of the key points that the leaders would have done to make clear representation of their voters.
- Advocating for the Rights of Vulnerable Persons
During the previous leadership term, we witnessed a lack of advocacy for the vulnerable members of our community. As a people centered leader, you would have prioritized:
Inclusive Representation: leaders who genuinely represent and advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, women, children, the elderly, and marginalized communities.
Access to Social Services: Demanding policies and programs that ensure the inclusion of the vulnerable in access to education, healthcare, housing, and social protection programs.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks: working towards creating and enforcing local laws and policies that guarantee the protection of the rights of vulnerable persons and eliminate discrimination.
- Community Involvement in Leadership
Leadership that does not involve the community is ineffective and unjust. To address this:
Regular Consultations: leadership that holds quarterly meetings with local communities, listens to their concerns, and responds with actionable plans. Our leaders would be required to present their plans and progress in community forums.
Participatory Decision-Making: leaders who ensure that all significant decisions, particularly those affecting the local economy, infrastructure, and community services, are made in consultation with the people.
Transparency in Governance: Leaders must demonstrate transparency by publicly sharing information on development plans, expenditures, and the status of local projects, creating avenues for public scrutiny.
- Accountability in the Use of Locally Raised Revenues
It is evident that lack of accountability for locally raised revenues has led to stagnation and underdevelopment. Mubende Mps would have been committed to:
Auditing and Oversight: Ensure that leaders are accountable by establishing community-based auditing committees that will track the collection, allocation, and usage of locally raised revenues.
Community-Driven Budgeting: Local revenues must be utilized for the benefit of all. They would have pushed for a budget process where the community has a direct say in how funds are allocated, especially for projects that meet local needs.
Enhanced Local Government Financial Transparency: Leaders must publicly disclose budget details, project expenditures, and the outcomes of initiatives funded by local revenues, allowing residents to evaluate the effectiveness of spending.
- Reducing Tax Burdens and Ensuring Proper Use of Funds
Excessive taxes have burdened the residents of Mubende without seeing a proportional return in community development. To address this:
Tax Equity: Advocating for a fair and equitable tax policies that do not disproportionately affect the poorest members of society. A call for a review of existing taxes and propose alternatives that promote local economic growth.
Tax for Development: Demanding that taxes collected are used efficiently for visible infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, and poverty reduction programs, with clear, trackable outcomes.
Fiscal Discipline: Holding leaders accountable for the proper use of public funds, including tax revenues, by implementing transparent monitoring systems and ensuring that any mismanagement is swiftly addressed.
- Restoring Parliamentary Representation and Constituency Engagement
A primary concern for many residents has been the failure of leaders, especially at the parliamentary level, to adequately consult and represent their constituents. Our vision for leadership involves:
Active Consultation with Constituents: only elect leaders who demonstrate a commitment to consulting and engaging with the people they represent. Parliamentary representatives will be required to hold regular town halls, feedback sessions, and public consultations to ensure the needs of all constituents are reflected in national legislation.
Responsive Leadership: parliamentarians accountable for responding to the challenges and concerns raised by residents, including issues related to infrastructure, security, education, and healthcare.
Building Strong Community-Led Advocacy: support the creation of platforms for grassroots advocacy where residents can discuss pressing issues and influence the legislative agenda.
- Leadership Integrity and Anti-Corruption
We will not tolerate corruption or unethical behavior in our leaders. To combat this:
Integrity-Based Leadership: A leader who demonstrate personal and professional integrity, avoiding any form of corruption, abuse of power, or nepotism.
Anti-Corruption Policies: implementing local policies that encourage the reporting of corrupt practices and offer protection for whistleblowers.
Strengthening Accountability Institutions: independent bodies tasked with overseeing the local government’s activities are well-funded, empowered, and free from political interference.
Conclusion
The future of Mubende depends on the decisions we make today. The leadership we elect in 2026 must be one that listens, acts responsibly, and serves the interests of all, especially the marginalized. This manifesto is a call to action—a promise to hold our leaders accountable and demand a leadership that works for us all. Together, we can build a Mubende that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all its residents.
We urge all residents to join in the movement for change, to vote for leaders who understand the importance of collaboration, transparency, and the fair use of resources. Let us unite to take Mubende to new heights of prosperity, where every voice is heard, every right is respected, and every citizen can thrive.
The author is Hon. Ronald Mugwabya Former Councilor kaweeri ward on behalf of the residents of Mubende.
