New Busoga MPs seek end to political infighting hindering development

Chairperson of Busoga sub-region MPs and Luuka South MP Stephen Kisa (holding the microphone) addresses the gathering alongside fellow Members of the 12th Parliament of Uganda from the Busoga sub-region duriing the graduation ceremony of 600 students in various health disciplines at Lubega School of Nursing and Health Professionals in Iganga District on May 30, 2026. PHOTO/DENIS EDEMA.

Newly sworn-in lawmakers from Uganda’s eastern Busoga sub-region have pledged to work together across political divides to accelerate development and improve service delivery, following years of internal divisions that leaders say weakened the region's influence.

The commitment was made during a meeting with the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, in Iganga District, where legislators promised closer cooperation with the kingdom and among themselves.

Among those present was Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, who also represents Kamuli District as Woman Member of Parliament.

The legislators said they represented a mix of experienced and newly elected leaders determined to fulfill campaign promises and address long-standing development challenges in the region.

Led by Luuka South MP Stephen Kisa, who chairs the Busoga Parliamentary Group, the lawmakers acknowledged that divisions among MPs had previously undermined collective efforts to advance Busoga's interests.

"We have not been united as MPs from the Busoga sub-region, and some of our colleagues have not returned to the 12th Parliament. Voters made choices and brought in new leaders who we hope will effectively address their problems and drive development in the region," Kisa said.

He said some legislators in the previous Parliament rarely attended kingdom functions, creating a disconnect between elected leaders, cultural institutions and local communities.

Kisa said MPs had now resolved to work together regardless of political affiliation in order to strengthen collaboration with the Busoga Kingdom and mobilize support for regional development.

The remarks were made during the graduation ceremony of 600 health professionals at Lubega School of Nursing and Health Professionals in Iganga, where the Kyabazinga serves as vice chancellor.

The graduates completed diploma and certificate programmes in nursing, clinical medicine, pharmacy, laboratory technology and medical records management.

Bukooli North MP Jamali Ayagalachi Mukuve of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) said divisions among leaders had persisted for years and contributed to underdevelopment.

"As MPs in the 12th Parliament, we have resolved to unite and work together before you, regardless of our political affiliations. We seek your guidance, Kyabazinga, so that we can deliver effective services to the people of Busoga and help lift them out of poverty," Ayagalachi said.

He expressed concern that Busoga continues to rank among Uganda's poorest regions despite possessing significant agricultural and human resources.

"For those MPs in the region who still want to continue bringing confusion among us, we are not ready to welcome their selfish ambitions against the will of our community, which expects services from us," he added.

Luuka North MP John Ngobi Bagoole said voters had returned him to Parliament because many communities still lacked visible development and improved public services.

Kamuli District Woman MP Mastula Namatovu said residents expected lawmakers to focus on fulfilling campaign commitments and addressing persistent challenges facing households.

Responding to the concerns, Kadaga urged MPs to establish sector-based coordination structures among themselves to improve resource mobilization and monitoring of government programmes.

She said legislators should closely track the implementation of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to ensure resources reach intended beneficiaries and contribute to poverty reduction.

Kadaga also called for stronger accountability and cooperation among leaders in the region.

Background

The push for unity follows years of political rivalry within Busoga that intensified during recent elections and contests within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Earlier this year, Kadaga convened meetings bringing together leaders from different political parties, including NRM, NUP, FDC, DP, UPC and PFF, in an effort to build consensus around the region's development agenda.

Following the 2025 elections, she credited Busoga voters with ushering in new leadership and argued that internal divisions had previously slowed progress.

Political tensions in the region deepened after NRM primary elections, during which some candidates aligned themselves with supporters of former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among.

Kadaga has previously blamed some MPs for contributing to divisions that weakened Busoga's political influence at the national level.

The recent elections also saw several opposition politicians win parliamentary seats across the region, particularly in Jinja City and parts of Busoga, reflecting voter frustration with leaders perceived to be focused on political infighting rather than development.

Among the opposition legislators elected from the region are NUP lawmakers Timothy Batuwa, Paul Mwiru, Hussein Muyonjo, Sarah Lwansasula, John Odwori, Jamal Mukuve, Nasser Mudiobole and Andrew Kaluya, alongside FDC's Grace Kirya Wanzala.

Regional leaders say the challenge now is whether the newly elected MPs can translate their pledge of unity into tangible improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and household incomes across Busoga.

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