Kagoma County MP, Mr Moses Walyomu Muwanika. PHOTO/TAUSI NAKATO
What you need to know:
- Mr Moses Walyomu responded by saying that his doors are open to anyone who doesn't want the hoe, and they're free to return it, as there are others who missed out on the share.
Constituents of Kagoma County in Jinja District, Eastern Uganda have rejected hand hoes offered by their area Member of Parliament, Mr Moses Walyomu Muwanika who said they needed the rudimentary tools to prepare for the planting season.
"I'm not the only one who rejected the hoe; most households did. 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,’’ one of his vocal constituents, Mr Denis Kafuko, said.
Mr Kafuko stated that Mr Walyomu only visits his constituency when election time is approaching.
"Our MP is uncooperative and only shows up during campaign season. 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," he said.
Ms Amina Naigaga, a senior resident of Itakaibolu village wondered who the MP had consulted before deciding to donate the hoes.
"Initially, it was acceptable, but this time around, who requested hoes from him? We're not static, our needs change," she said.
Ms Naigaga added: "Who asked our MP for hoes? Just because we may
have needed them in the past doesn't mean we still do. Not every family
relies on farming, and our needs can change from year to year."
Acording to her, politicians often make mistakes because they fail to follow up with their constituents.
“You
can't assume someone's needs without asking them, yet he decided from
Kampala that we wanted hoes, which was a misstep,’’ he said.
Mr George Muwone revealed that politics is at play, suggesting that only a few homes rejected the hoes.
“Those
families who rejected the hoes are actually fighting MP Walyomu
politically. What are they offering instead? When you refuse something
from someone, it implies you're seeking an alternative. Is this a
genuine request or just politics?" Mr Muwone asked.
Mr Walyomu responded by saying that his doors are open to anyone who
doesn't want the hoe, and they're free to return it, as there are others
who missed out on the share.
"Those who don't want the hoe, please
return it. I have constituents who genuinely need these tools.
Unfortunately, those who rejected the hoes are idle and being
manipulated by selfish individuals," Mr Walyomu disclosed.
Politicians, especially aspiring MPs are known for making donations
whenever the country nears elections. The donations vary depending on
the constituency.
Some of the common items donated include cash, hand
hoes, pieces of soap, T-shirts, bicycles, salt, matchboxes and food
stuffs, among others.
Analysts consider such donations as disguised bribes intended to
influence the electorate to vote in favor of the donor, and this, they
attribute to low civic education.
In the last two terms he’s been in
Parliament, Mr Walyomu has had to successfully defend his victories in
court after his closest contenders challenged the voting process.
Source: Monitor.
Comments
Post a Comment