local government 10 August 2026 Nile Post

Lwengo Residents Elect New Leaders Amidst Uproar Over Development Funds

Residents of Lwengo District have elected new parish leaders, using the opportunity to voice strong concerns about the alleged misuse of development funds and poor service delivery. They are calling for the intervention of the Local Government Minister. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/362445/lwengo-residents-elect-new-parish-leaders-raise-concerns-over-development-funds

During recent elections for LC II leaders in Lwengo District, residents seized the opportunity to express deep-seated frustrations regarding the slow pace of development and perceived mismanagement of public resources. Many voiced their disappointment with the delivery of government services and the implementation of key programs.

Concerns were specifically raised about the alleged withholding of funds earmarked for development projects and the failure of some officials to ensure that government initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries. Residents expressed weariness with participating in elections without witnessing tangible improvements in their communities, citing instances where allocated resources for projects like road works appeared to be vastly underutilized.

Allegations surfaced of significant discrepancies between reported expenditures and actual work done, with one resident claiming that only a fraction of funds allocated for road construction was visibly used. Similar accusations were made regarding the handling of funds for other programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, with claims that resources were being siphoned off by dishonest individuals.

Furthermore, residents highlighted delays in the disbursement of funds meant for grassroots communities and pointed to internal divisions among local leaders as a major impediment to progress. They appealed directly to the Local Government Minister, Balaam Barugahara, to step in and address these leadership wrangles and financial mismanagement issues.

Amidst these grievances, some newly elected leaders pledged to foster unity, actively promote government programs, and work towards resolving community conflicts. Abudl Noor Bizimungu, the new LC II chairperson for Kyawagonya Parish, vowed to serve the people with dedication and mobilize them to embrace government initiatives. The newly elected officials now face the challenge of rebuilding trust and demonstrating accountability to the residents who have voiced their concerns.