According to statistics from the district commercial office, more than 85% of the population in Bundibugyo is directly dependent on cocoa. The crop also fetches about 150 billion shillings into the district annually.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate Robert
Ssentamu Kyagulanyi has pledged to establish cocoa processing factories in Bundibugyo District.
According to statistics from the district commercial office, more
than 85% of the population in Bundibugyo is directly dependent on cocoa. The
crop also fetches about 150 billion shillings into the district annually.
During his campaign at Kirumya playgrounds on Tuesday, Kyagulanyi pledged to
construct a chocolate factory in the district taking advantage of the lucrative
cocoa business in the area.
He noted that the current government has failed to transform
cocoa farmers in the country despite their rich contribution to the economy.
//Cue in: “Abantu ba Bundibugyo bakola….
Cue out: …ng aba slave.”//
Kyagulanyi also assured the residents of the district that he will
focus on supporting the persons who have been affected by the floods.
He also pledged to improve the roads and the health services in the district.
//Cue in: “Many inti amazi…
Cue out:..twiina chance.”//
Joseph Salongo who attended the rally welcomed Kyagulanyi’s message on
improving the economic activities of the area.
He thinks if the districts get factories, it will open up job
opportunities to people like him.
//Cue in: “ Twetuba nga twina products…
Cue out:..mubilamu byabwe obyabulijo.”//
Christine Mbambu welcomes the presidential candidate's pledge to help persons who have been affected by floods. She says that people are
still homeless with no aid from the government a year after heavy floods hit the
district.
//Cue in: “Am happy that…
Cue out:.. just suffering.”//
Sandy Apollo one of the NUP political candidates in the district says Kyagulanyi
message resonates well with the residents' needs. He says once the
district gets factories, farmers production will double.
//Cue in: “ Cocoa issues you…
Cue out:..on their crop.”//
Kyagulanyi also criticized police in Rwenzori region for blocking
him from accessing voters during his campaigns schedules.
Kyagulanyi was blocked from reaching Bundibugyo Town by security
personnel led by police and UPDF.
The candidate questioned why political candidates are being kept
away from voters.
