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By Amos Tayebwa |Buhweju District
Residents of Buhweju District have raised concern over poor market access for their agricultural and mineral products, blaming weak road infrastructure and what they describe as prolonged neglect by their political leaders.
Buhweju County is known for producing waragi, gold, tea, coffee and matooke, but locals say the lack of reliable road networks has left them vulnerable to exploitative middlemen who dictate low prices.
The concerns dominated campaign rallies over the weekend for Grace Agaba Byarugaba, the aspiring Member of Parliament for Buhweju County ahead of the 2026 general elections. Residents repeatedly urged leaders seeking office to prioritise road infrastructure, markets and value addition for local products.
Some locals criticised incumbent MP Francis Mwijukye, accusing him of failing to lobby government for improved services. They claimed his grassroots engagements have not translated into tangible development outcomes.
They further accuse Mwijukye of failing to give attention to key issues that pain the People of Buhweju and focused on minor issues like harvesting millet with farmers and drinking Waragi in the trading centers with his electorates as one his technique of convincing voters to vote for him
Rodgers Kabagambe, a resident of Kyeyare Trading Centre, said poor roads have crippled bargaining power for producers.
“We produce a lot of waragi, mine gold and grow coffee, but buyers take advantage of us because we cannot easily transport our goods to better markets. We need leaders who can work with government to improve roads, attract factories and help us get fair prices,” Kabagambe said.
Sylvia Katushabe echoed similar frustrations, particularly on access to basic services.
“As women, we are disappointed. We walk long distances to fetch water and our produce is bought at throwaway prices. Our concerns are not raised to the responsible authorities. We need a leader who can work closely with government so that Buhweju is remembered,” she said.
Another resident, David Byamukama, urged voters to reject what he termed as propaganda and focus on leadership that prioritises economic empowerment. He said branding and marketing Buhweju waragi should be a key lobbying point for the area MP.
Addressing supporters, Agaba accused the incumbent MP of engaging in divisive politics instead of accounting for his record in Parliament. She also dismissed claims that Buhweju cannot be led by a woman.
“Anyone who undermines women in this generation is a failed leader. Women have contributed immensely to this country. I am focused, energetic and ready to lift Buhweju through service delivery,” Agaba said.
She pledged to work with government and President Museveni to improve infrastructure, markets and incomes for residents.
“Development comes through collaboration with government. Buhweju has lagged behind because of confrontational politics. Our people are poor because there are no roads and no markets. I am contesting to serve my people and ensure Buhweju is put on the national development map,” she added.
Agaba held rallies in Rwengwe Sub-county, covering Bwoga, Kakiga, Kyankanda, Kyeyare and Nyakishojwa trading centres. As campaigns gain momentum, early ground assessments suggest a tightly contested race, with service delivery emerging as the defining issue in Buhweju County.
