Kitagwenda Left Behind as Kamwenge Shines: Kitagwenda Residents Up in Arms!

By Our Reporter
4th May 2025

While Kamwenge District continues to bask in the glow of government projects and robust infrastructure development, its younger sibling Kitagwenda remains mired in neglect, poor service delivery, and growing public frustration. The recent launch of the Kahunge–Ntonwa–Kihura and Bwizi–Mpara tarmac roads—projects connecting Kamwenge to Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts—has triggered outrage among residents of Kitagwenda, who accuse their leaders of incompetence and silence in the corridors of power.

The road launch, presided over by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja alongside Works junior Minister Musa Ecweru, Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi, and Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze (MP for Kibale East, Kamwenge), once again underscored Kamwenge’s strategic advancement, leaving Kitagwenda in its shadow. While Kamwenge now boasts multiple tarmac links to Ibanda, Kabarole, Kyegegwa, and Kyenjojo, Kitagwenda—despite its rich agricultural potential and strategic location—lacks a single paved road connecting it to any major town.

Since being carved out of Kamwenge in 2019, Kitagwenda has been struggling to assert its presence on the national development agenda. The much-needed Ibanda–Kabujogera–Rwenjaza and Kabujogera–Mahyoro–Kyambura roads, once listed under the National Development Plan II, were quietly dropped from NDP III, dashing hopes of economic transformation for the mountainous district.

Kitagwenda MP Nulu Byamukama carrying a stone to fix a poor road

“This is not just a matter of roads,” lamented Akiniagi Wycliffe Araali, a concerned resident. “It is about visibility, inclusion, and leadership. Kitagwenda is an integral part of Tooro and Uganda. We deserve to be seen, heard, and included.”

Frustrated residents point fingers at their current Members of Parliament—Hon. Nulu Byamukama and Woman MP Dorothy Nzibonera Nyakato—for what they call a lack of voice and presence in Parliament. According to the Hansard, Hon. Nzibonera has only spoken once in five years. This silence, critics say, has cost the district vital opportunities and resources.

Dorothy Nyakato, Woman MP Kitagwenda who is accused of incompetence

In contrast, former MP Agaba Abas is remembered fondly for his active participation in parliamentary debates and his ability to secure tangible development. Schools like Kanara SSS, Nyanga Primary School, and Nyakasenyi SSS stand as monuments to his tenure. Abas, who once chaired the Committee on Rules and currently serves as Secretary General of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, is widely seen as Kitagwenda’s best shot at reclaiming national relevance. His close ties to the President, who even graced his wedding in 2009, add weight to the belief that he can deliver once again.

Hon Agaba Abas, former Kitagwenda MP at a function with the President recently

On the women’s front, Joan Asiimwe is emerging as a strong contender for Woman MP, challenging the status quo. A daughter of Buganda Ruhweza—former Speaker of greater Kabarole and current Mayor of Kabujogera—Asiimwe has championed water access through boreholes and championed women’s skilling programs. With a solid civil society background and a bold voice, she is seen as a fresh force capable of lobbying effectively and representing Kitagwenda with the vigor it desperately needs.

“Joan is fearless and vocal,” said a youth leader in Kabujogera. “We need someone who can speak, lobby, and be heard. Enough of silent leadership.”

Asiimwe Joan, who is contesting for Woman MP Kitagwenda

As the 2026 elections approach, residents are rallying behind voices of change. Many believe that only leaders like Agaba Abas and Joan Asiimwe can restore dignity, visibility, and development to Kitagwenda. They say Kitagwenda has had enough of politics of handouts which hasn’t helped and they want to elect leaders who are vocal and capable of speaking for them in Parliament and others foras. Whether their dream will come true is a matter that we can wait for the ballots come July 2025