West Budama North East voters regret electing absentee MP Fox Odoi

Tororo, Uganda:- Residents of West Budama North East constituency in Tororo District are in shire frustration and disappointment over what they describe as betrayal by the area Member of Parliament, Fox Odoi Oywelowo, who they accuse of abandoning his constituency since his election in 2021.

The discontent cuts across subcounties that make up the constituency, such as Kirewa, Soni, Sere, Nawire, Paya, and Sopsop, where locals allege that Odoi’s absence has stalled development and left many feeling neglected and unheard.

His frequent stays abroad and failure to frequently engage with constituents has already sparked outrage, with many lamenting the lost opportunities for growth and representation and vowing not to vote for him come 2026

Ochieng, a resident of Senda in Kirewa Subcounty, questioned whether Odoi would even return to seek re-election. “If Fox comes back to look for votes, what will he tell the people? He hasn’t been around, and we’ve seen no action on the ground,” he said.

Similarly, Owor Mathulimayo of Nawire voiced concerns about Odoi’s absence, arguing that it has given room for other political figures, like Richard Owere Machika and Onyango Magara, to take over roles meant for the MP. “Fox Odoi collects the funds but does nothing for the constituency. It’s a pity that we are stuck with such a leader,” Mathulimayo remarked.

In Soni Sub county, Ochieng Bai dismissed claims that Odoi has lobbied for projects in the area. “People say Fox is the one who lobbies for projects. How can someone who fears and neglects his constituency be trusted to lobby for anything? This is the worst leader we’ve had since I was born.”

Ofwono Pius from Paya criticized Odoi for ignoring his constituency during important government programs. “The last time he came for the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, he held a meeting in Tororo Municipality, not even within his own constituency,” Ofwono noted. “Meanwhile, the former RDC Owole held meetings directly in Paya. It’s clear—Fox Odoi is afraid of his own people.”

Such sentiments echo the broader feelings of abandonment among constituents who believe Odoi has failed to fulfill his mandate as their representative.

Odoi’s disregard for pertinent issues affecting locals

Residents have also criticized Odoi for what they perceive as misplaced priorities on national matters. They accuse him of focusing on legalizing contentious issues like homosexuality and prostitution rather than addressing the pressing concerns of his electorate.

“Is Fox saying we have homosexuals and that prostitution is an issue in our community? What does that tell you about his priorities?” a frustrated resident questioned.

Following his prolonged absence, Odoi recently returned to the constituency to distribute gomasis to widows, a move that has drawn backlash from locals who argue it falls far short of their expectations.

“He’s handing out gomasis to widows now, showing that he wants men to keep dying so the women can keep getting gomasis,” a local leader scoffed. “Is that what he promised us during the campaign? Is that his solution to our problems?”

Critics also point to what they see as a deliberate attempt by Odoi to mask his disconnection from the people. Despite owning a luxurious home outside the constituency, the MP reportedly stays in a grass-thatched house whenever he visits West Budama North East.

“What does this mean? He has a luxurious home outside the constituency while his people live in hardship. This man doesn’t love us,” another local leader lamented.

Call for Change

As the 2026 general elections draw nearer, the growing disenchantment with Odoi’s leadership is pushing residents to rally behind alternative candidates whom they believe will prioritize their needs. “We don’t want Fox Odoi in our constituency anymore,” declared a group of concerned residents. “It’s time for change, and we will make sure our voices are heard.”

The outcry from West Budama North East is a reminder of the challenges facing absentee politicians who fail to maintain connections with their constituents. With heightened calls for change, Odoi’s political future appears increasingly uncertain as Uganda prepares for the 2026 elections.