Despite being elevated to city status, several areas annexed to Masaka City from neighboring districts such as Lwengo, Kalungu, and rural Masaka are yet to witness any significant development or improvement in services. Residents of these areas, including villages like Kisaaka, Kabukolwa, Kimwanyi, and Kyalubu, express frustration over the lack of tangible benefits since their inclusion in the city.
During a community meeting held in Kabukolwa, Masaka City, residents voiced their concerns, highlighting the absence of basic services such as electricity, clean water, and proper roads. They lamented that while their areas were officially incorporated into the city, there has been no noticeable change in their living conditions.
The meeting, led by Col. Hassan Ssamba, aimed to educate residents on how they can leverage government programs, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), to improve their livelihoods. Col. Ssamba emphasized the need for residents to organize themselves and take advantage of available opportunities to uplift their communities.
Residents, however, expressed disappointment with their local leaders, accusing them of failing to communicate vital information about government programs and development initiatives. They also criticized the leaders for not prioritizing the needs of the people, which has resulted in continued neglect.
Frank Ssentebe, the chairperson of Kabukolwa Village, acknowledged the challenges faced by residents and called on city leaders to intervene and address pressing issues, particularly the poor state of roads. He urged leaders to be more proactive in serving the community and ensuring that government programs reach the intended beneficiaries.
Ruth Katusabe, a representative of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that leaders must work diligently to fulfill their responsibilities. She reminded them that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision is to ensure that every Ugandan benefits from government programs and experiences improved living standards.
Col. Hassan Ssamba encouraged residents to embrace unity and avoid divisive politics, stressing that development can only be achieved through collective effort. He praised President Museveni for fostering peace and stability, which he said are essential for progress.
The residents’ grievances highlight the gap between the promise of city status and the reality on the ground. As Masaka City continues to grow, there is an urgent need for leaders to address the concerns of annexed areas and ensure that all residents benefit from the city’s development.
The meeting concluded with a call for leaders to prioritize service delivery and work closely with the community to address challenges such as poor infrastructure and limited access to essential services. Residents remain hopeful that with proper leadership and collective effort, their areas will eventually see the development they were promised.
