Shameful leadership on display: Why Kaliro Must Vote Better on January 15

This hard-hitting opinion piece questions leadership readiness in Kaliro District after a controversial Woman MP debate, urging voters to choose competent and prepared leaders ahead of the January 15 elections.

Early this week, on Tuesday 6th January, NBS Radio organized a LIVE debate in Kaliro District at Kaliro High School under the program “Ensi Nebyayo,” moderated by Sir Grace Mwesigwa. The debate brought together all candidates contesting for the Woman Member of Parliament seat, a position with eight contenders.

A debate is meant to test leadership, confidence, vision, and the ability to articulate issues affecting the people, without assistance. Unfortunately, what unfolded was deeply disappointing and embarrassing.

One candidate, Ms. Namukobe Ruth, who is often very vocal in criticizing the incumbent for allegedly failing to deliver for the people, was seen seeking guidance via WhatsApp on what to say during the live debate. This was not hearsay—our camera captured the chat, where she was asking Nimbi Isaac Kaps to send her talking points to read on air.

This is nothing short of shameful.

How does a candidate fail to articulate issues in a local district debate, yet claim readiness for national-level parliamentary debates? If someone cannot speak independently at Kaliro High School, what should we expect when they reach the floor of Parliament?

To make matters worse, when asked about what she has achieved during her term as a youth leader, Ms. Namukobe openly stated that her only role was to supervise Hon. Namukuta Brenda. Is supervision alone an achievement? Is that the vision we want to send to Parliament?

Leadership is not about noise, insults, or relying on others to think for you. Leadership requires ideas, substance, preparation, and independence of thought. Imagine someone seeking to represent thousands of people, yet unable to debate without being spoon-fed what to say. That is not leadership—it is opportunism.

Even at a simple Local Council–level debate, there was zero substance, zero clarity, and nothing tangible to show. If a candidate fails at the smallest platform, how can we trust the same mind to sit in Parliament and speak for Kaliro District?

As 15th January approaches, fellow citizens, the message is simple: Vote wisely.

Let us not send empty heads to Parliament, because doing so would be digging our own grave as a district. If Kaliro is to move from where it is to where we all want it to be, we must reject opportunism and choose leaders who are prepared, competent, and capable