"For 10 Years, Kalungu Had a Silent MP—But I Became the Voice of My People" – Hon. Joseph Ssewungu

Ugandan politicians from different parties shared their thoughts on voter behaviour during a discussion on NTV Uganda’s morning programme.

The conversation focused on why people vote the way they do and the challenges facing political leadership.

Joseph Ssewungu, the MP for Kalungu County West, said he was elected without spending large sums of money. He noted that some leaders disappear from the public once elected.

“For ten years, Kalungu had an MP who never spoke in Parliament,” he said. “When I got elected, I made it my duty to be a voice for my people.”

He said he did not campaign by moving around at night or giving out money.

“I told the people, ‘Elect me and I will represent you,’ and that’s what I’ve done,” he said. He criticised leaders who stay silent in Parliament and forget the people who elected them.

"Some people are in Parliament, yet they have never stood up to speak on behalf of their constituencies. They campaign for votes without having anything meaningful to say once they get there."

Emmanuel Dombo, Director of Communications for the NRM, said many voters are misled by big promises.

“Many aspiring legislators make false promises to voters during their campaigns. They tell countless lies, and once elected, it becomes clear they have nothing to offer. Unfortunately, by the time voters realize this, all they can do is wait for the term to end,” he said.

He also said that many now see Parliament as a way to earn money.

“Being in Parliament has become vulgarised. Do they go to serve the people or for the benefits?” he asked.

He referred to President Museveni’s advice to MPs not to take on every problem in their constituencies, noting that some even mortgage their homes to enter Parliament.

“That shows they see Parliament as worth more than a home,” Dombo said.

Presidential aspirant Wycliffe Kasaija Kizza said politics in Uganda has become more about money than ideas.

“Aspirants are planning how much to give out, and voters are thinking about what they can get,” he said.

He added that President Museveni still has strong support among many Ugandans.

“He is seen as the one who brought peace. People trust him because of that,” Kasaija said.