By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
Religious leaders are calling for unity and reconciliation among politicians in the Bugisu sub-region, warning that persistent infighting is costing the area vital development opportunities.
The call was made on Saturday 06th – June during a thanksgiving ceremony for the newly elected Member of Parliament for Mbale City Northern Division, Hajji Umar Nangoli.
The event, held at Nakaloke Playground, attracted thousands of local residents, security personnel, civil servants, and high-profile political and religious dignitaries.
The Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, who graced the event, challenged elected leaders from the region to put aside differences and work towards unity, arguing that internal divisions have for years hindered Bugisu’s progress and political influence.
“I call upon the elected Members of Parliament to work towards uniting this region. In 2019, when we religious leaders met President Museveni in Entebbe, he told me that whenever he wished to appoint someone from Bugisu, another person would emerge opposing that appointment. Therefore, I urge you to unite and support those who have succeeded,” Sheikh Mubaje said.
The Mufti also expressed concern over ongoing wrangles surrounding the leadership of the Bugisu cultural institution, saying the dispute had created unnecessary divisions among the people.
“The problem we have here is cultural leadership. Two people are fighting for the same position of Umukhuka, creating division among our people. We can sit down and resolve these issues without taking them to the media,” he urged.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Bishop of Mbale Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Canon John Wilson Nandaah, urged newly elected leaders not to abandon their constituents for the comfort of Kampala but instead remain accessible to the people who elected them.
“Stay close to the ground and work directly for the people who trusted you with their votes,” Bishop Nandaah urged.
Nandaah also used the platform to appeal to President Yoweri Museveni to reward the sub-region’s loyalty with more central government appointments.
“Your Excellency, we request you kindly. This region loves you so much,” Bishop Nandaah said. “We remember during your recent campaign tour, you promised a lot for Bugisu. We pray that the Almighty Lord enables you to fulfill them.”
In his remarks, Hajji Umar Nangoli assured residents that he would remain a people-centred leader and spend most of his parliamentary term engaging directly with constituents rather than becoming an absentee representative.
“You gave me your vote for service delivery. I promise to lobby government and other stakeholders to ensure that more is done for our people than they expect,” Nangoli said.
