2026 WATCH: Sironko residents accuse leaders of neglect, demand health centre after decade of waiting

Sironko, Uganda: Residents of Bukiise Sub County in Budadiri East, Sironko District, have renewed their demand for a health centre, expressing frustration over years of unfulfilled promises from the area leaders.

During a community meeting held at Bukiise Primary School playground over the Easter Weekend, locals accused elected leaders of neglect and vowed to push for change in the upcoming 2026 elections.

The meeting, organized by Nakiyi Julius Muntu, who is vying for the Budadiri East MP seat, became a platform for residents to vent their grievances. Bukiise, a densely populated sub-county with seven parishes, remains the only one in Sironko District without a health facility. Locals must travel long distances to either Budadiri Health Centre IV or Buyaga Health Centre III in neighboring Bulambuli District, a situation many say has led to unnecessary loss of lives.

“Some expectant mothers die or give birth on the way while trying to reach the distant health centres,” said Walimbwa Pascali, the NRM chairperson of Suguta village.

The absence of a health facility is not due to a lack of infrastructure. According to the Bugisu Intellectual Forum, a local social media platform, a building was set up ten years ago with the expectation of being turned into a health centre, but it has never been operational.

Khabuye Evelyn, the Sub County Speaker, further alleged mistreatment of Sironko patients at Buyaga Health Centre III due to district-based discrimination. “When I went to give birth there, I was denied essentials like mama kits and mosquito nets just because I’m from Sironko District,” she said.

For many residents, the lack of a public health facility means they are forced to rely on costly private clinics, which few can afford. “People are dying due to lack of medical care. We vote, but leaders don’t come back to serve us,” lamented 73-year-old Nelima Jessica, the councilor representing the elderly.

Her concerns were echoed by Wodero Kalisti of Kiludu, who recounted a painful ordeal. “Two years ago, I lost precious time calling an ambulance when my wife was in labor. We reached the hospital late, and she had to be operated on. That could have been avoided.”

Nakiyi Rallies Support, Vows to Deliver Health Centre

The community’s frustrations have fueled growing support for Nakiyi, who urged residents to vote for leadership that will address their concerns. “If we unite and vote for Nakiyi Julius, we believe he can lobby for a health centre because the current MP, Ssasaga Isaiah Johny, and his predecessor, Woboya Vincent, failed,” said Walimbwa Pascali.

In his address, Nakiyi thanked the residents for their past support and alleged that his 2021 victory was “robbed.” “You can’t hide an elephant,” he said. “Bukiise has the largest population in the constituency but suffers the most.” In a direct attack on his NRM rival Woboya, he added: “If you can’t manage a goat, how do you ask for a cow? Time has come for the rightful owner of the flag to take it.”

Nakiyi outlined a five-point agenda focused on economic liberation, infrastructure development, social services, unity, and strategic collaboration. “You’ve told me you lack a health centre and electricity. I’ll work with my networks, including those in western Uganda, to deliver these services for Bukiise,” he pledged.

2021 Election Results and the Road to 2026

In the 2021 elections, Ssasaga Isaiah Johny won the Budadiri East seat with 15,776 votes, followed by Woboya Vincent with 12,152 votes, while Nakiyi Julius Muntu came third with 7,941 votes in a crowded race of eight candidates.

With the growing discontent in Bukiise and Nakiyi’s rising influence, the 2026 race for Budadiri East is shaping up to be a fierce contest, with health service delivery set to be a key campaign issue.