Leaders Petition Museveni Over Bughendera District

Leaders in Bughendera County, Bundibugyo district have petitioned President Museveni over delays in the proposed creation of Bughendera district.

President Museveni endorsed the creation of the district while campaigning at Burambagira Primary School, Bughendera County in Bundibugyo district last year. He however did not mention when the district status would be granted.

Bughendera is a mountainous area predominately occupied by the Bakonzo. It is comprised of Kasitu, Ngamba, Ntoroto, Harugale, Ndugutu, Bukonjo and Sidira sub counties. If Bughendera is granted a district status, Bundibugyo district will remain with only Bwamba County with a concentration of the Bamba/Babwisi communities.

However, area leaders who celebrated the President's announcement are now running out of patience and have petitioned him about the pledge.

Moses Muhindo, the LCIII Chairperson of Ngamba Sub County says that they are demanding answers from the President as to when the district will be granted.  Muhindo explains that the area has for a long time been marginalized and missed out on social services such as education and health.

He adds that the government should prioritize the creation of the district since it has 10 sub counties and the residents are in urgent need for better services.

//Cue in:  "we have continued…

Cue out: "…effectively deliver."//

Beatrice Mbambu, the councilor representing Harugale Sub County says that there is no need for delay to grant the district because last year, Bundibugyo district council agreed the district's split.

However, Nathan Businge, a resident of Ntandi trading centre says that the county requires adequate social services like physical infrastructure, health centres and schools, but not a district that will cause disunity and tension between the Bamba and Bakonzo.

//Cue in: "a situation…

Cue out: "…viable idea."//

Last year, the Obudingiya Bwa Bamba Cultural institution in Bundibugyo district opposed the proposed creation of Bughendera district. The institution claims that 45 percent of the subjects in Bughendera pay allegiance to Lt. Col. Martin Ayongi Kamya, the Bamba cultural leader and there are several cultural sites in Bughendera.

Last year more than 40 people were killed in ethnic clashes in Bughendera County. The clashes were common in Ntoroto and Harugale sub counties. The creation of districts has in the past come under criticism from the opposition and technocrats, who argue that it increases the cost of public administration.