By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
Candidates contesting for Local Council One (LC1) chairperson and Women Councilor positions in Namanyoyi Ward, Northern division in Mbale city have pledged to prioritize accountability, improved service delivery, and community development if elected.
The pledges were made on Sunday, 19th July, 2026 during a public debate held in Budi B Cell, bringing together 20 aspiring candidates from six villages—Budi A, Budi B, Kanikwa A, Kanikwa B, Nabigoye, and Kasavu which make up Namanyoyi and Nkoma wards.
The debate was organized to provide candidates with an opportunity to present their manifestos and enable voters to make informed decisions ahead of polling day.
Hamza Matana, the incumbent LC1 chairperson of Budi B Cell, said his previous record in office speaks for itself and urged residents to judge him based on his performance rather than political affiliation.
“My work during the previous term is my campaign. The people know what I have done. This time, my focus will be on development. We should not always wait for government programs to improve our communities. We can mobilize ourselves to repair local roads and address other pressing needs. Even though I belong to the FDC, I can still work with the government to bring development because leadership is about serving the people,” Matana said.
Zubairi Mutase, a 27-year-old National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate contesting for the Budi A Cell seat in Nabweya Parish, said his campaign is centered on ensuring fairness in the implementation of government programs and empowering young people in leadership.
“I cannot promise to build hospitals or schools because those are beyond the mandate of an LC1 chairperson. However, I will ensure that government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) benefit all deserving residents. In my zone, only three people have received PDM support, which is unfair. I will also focus on SACCO savings initiatives and improving security. Young people are often told they are the leaders of tomorrow, but that time has come. It is time for the youth to lead,” Mutase said.
Another contestant, Doka Anthony of Kanikwa A Cell, who is running on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, criticized what he described as poor implementation of the Parish Development Model by some local leaders.
“The PDM program is a good initiative, but some leaders have failed the people. It is the responsibility of LC1 chairpersons to work with residents in identifying genuine beneficiaries. Unfortunately, some leaders have instead prioritized members of their own families. We are contesting these elections to end selfish leadership and restore transparency and fairness in the selection of beneficiaries,” Anthony said.
Residents who attended the debate welcomed the initiative, saying it gave them an opportunity to compare candidates’ priorities and leadership styles before casting their votes.
