Campaigning in Buvuma, Kyagulanyi vows on WASH services, fishing rights

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flagbearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu on Friday (December 26) launched his Buvuma district campaign with a pledge to prioritise Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services and improve the welfare of island communities, which he said have long been neglected.

He said it was ironic that communities living on Lake Victoria continue to suffer deprivation despite the abundance of natural resources, vowing that the situation would change if he is elected president.

Kyagulanyi was speaking at Kasaali playground in Buvuma Town Council, where he officially kicked off his campaign activities in the island district.

A 2024 Ministry of Health report which shows that Uganda loses more than sh4 trillion annually due to inadequate WASH facilities. The report notes that about 20,000 children under the age of five die each year from diarrhoeal diseases, while malaria — often exacerbated by poor sanitation — kills an estimated 33 children daily.

“No longer will people live on the lake without access to piped water,” said the NUP frontrunner, pledging to overhaul the WASH sector and prevent avoidable diseases.

“I have travelled to many countries; how can we still have a lake but lack clean running water and toilets?”

Accompanied by NUP secretary general Lewis Rubongoya, Kyagulanyi arrived at Kirongo landing site before proceeding to Kasaali playground, where he addressed residents and party supporters.

Local NUP leaders, led by Susan Mugabi, the party’s flagbearer for Buvuma district Woman Member of Parliament, presented her party president with key concerns affecting the district, including the eviction of fishermen from Lake Victoria, widespread poverty, poor healthcare services and dilapidated education facilities.

Kyagulanyi pledged to continue amplifying the voices of island communities, saying they have been marginalised despite their contribution to the national economy.

He blamed the deployment of UPDF on water bodies for crippling the local economy by denying fishermen access to the lake.

“When you allow me to be your president, the first executive order I will sign will be to stop the army from the lake,” he said.

He also commented on President Yoweri Museveni’s recent directive dissolving landing site committees and renaming the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) as the 155 Marines Battalion under the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF).

Kyagulanyi questioned the timing of the decision, arguing that it does not address longstanding issues, including alleged human rights abuses.

“Many of you have lost boats, and some of your brothers were killed because they wanted you off the lake to benefit a few connected people. We shall stop that."

The musician-turned-politician, also known by his stage name Bobi Wine, further criticised the palm oil project on the islands, saying it has failed to uplift local communities as promised.

 “You were told it would turn you into millionaires overnight, but the poverty here shows that only a few connected people are benefiting,” he said.

'Water is a big problem'

Buvuma LC5 NUP candidate Gad Opondo reported to Kyagulanyi that the district falls far below minimum service delivery standards, citing the absence of tarmac roads and lack of connection to the national electricity grid.

He said maternal deaths remain high due to poorly equipped health facilities, while access to referral hospitals on the mainland remains a challenge.

“Water is a big problem here, and land grabbing is common,” said Opondo.

Kyagulanyi thanked residents for turning up in large numbers and praised the peaceful nature of the rallies in Buvuma, noting that there were no major disruptions despite the security presence.

“Most of the time, it is the Police that cause chaos at our campaigns,” he claimed.

The day was not without incident.

Earlier, at the ferry crossing, Police fired tear gas and made arrests after a scuffle broke out. Supporters, frustrated at being blocked from escorting Kyagulanyi to the ferry, threw stones at security forces.

​However, Kyagulanyi praised the peaceful nature of the rally itself.