Newly elected local government leaders in Busoga Sub-region have been urged to prioritize integrity and public service over personal interests as they begin their leadership terms. Farouk Kirunda, the Deputy Presidential Secretary and Presidential Assistant in charge of Mobilisation in Busoga Sub-region, says leaders must resist pressures that distract them from serving their communities effectively.
Speaking during an engagement with political leaders and technocrats from different local governments in Busoga held in Luuka District, Kirunda reminded leaders that public office comes with enormous expectations and demands, but urged them to remain principled. The meeting attracted political leaders, clergy, civil society representatives, opinion leaders, and members of the business community.
Kirunda challenged leaders to become strategic thinkers capable of providing practical solutions to community problems rather than spending valuable time on what he described as inconsequential political distractions. According to him, leaders should focus on initiatives that directly improve the livelihoods of their electorates.
He also encouraged leaders to actively participate in government development programmes, especially agricultural initiatives, saying this would position them as role models for grassroots communities. “Leaders should lead by example,” Kirunda said, adding that communities are more likely to embrace economic transformation when leaders practically engage in such programmes themselves.
At the same time, Kirunda cautioned members of the public against placing excessive personal demands on elected leaders. He argued that the growing expectation for politicians to provide school fees, clear debts, or cater for medical bills diverts leaders from delivering long-term public services.
“The misconception that leaders are personal financiers should stop,” he said. “It places unnecessary pressure on politicians and affects effective service delivery in the long run.” His remarks resonated with some community leaders attending the dialogue. Rebecca Nakyesa, chairperson of the Ge’makumwino Women Group in Bulongo Sub-county, said leadership requires continuous learning and strong values such as accountability, integrity, and self-confidence.
Nakyesa, whose group mentors women in leadership, expressed concern that these values are gradually being undermined in society. She noted that although the group supported several women candidates during recent elections, many voters appeared more interested in financial handouts than leadership capabilities. According to Nakyesa, the increasing cost of election campaigns threatens the quality of leadership and could negatively affect service delivery over the next five years.
Meanwhile, the newly elected Luuka District LCV Chairperson, Peter Mulyandawo, argued that the quality of leaders largely reflects the values of the communities that elect them. Mulyandawo said integrity begins at the household level and, when nurtured properly, can shape responsible leadership across all sectors, including politics-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
