Residents of Serere District have called upon the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Presidential candidate, Mugisha Muntu, to prioritize improvements in health services and road infrastructure if he is elected President of Uganda in 2026. During his campaign visit to Serere, residents expressed their frustrations over inadequate service delivery.
Many voiced concerns that President Museveni had made empty promises, particularly regarding the long-neglected Kumi – Serere – Kagwara road. “We hope that if we trust you with our votes, you will not bring us lies like your comrade Museveni, who has misled us about the Kumi-Serere-Kagwara road for the last 20 years,” said Jerry Okello, a concerned resident.
Okello lamented the current state of roads in Kyere Town Council, urging Muntu not to forget their plight if allowed to lead. Okello also highlighted the dire condition of the Kyere Health Center III, which he described as critically understaffed and ill-equipped. “The facility has only six beds, and it often runs out of medication. When drugs are delivered, they last only two days, and the only pain relief we receive is Panadol,” he explained.
Rebecca Apolot, a resident of Akuja Village, echoed that, “The state of the roads in our district is alarming. We have never seen any substantial work done; they just bring graders to clear the roads temporarily before leaving.” She expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, suggesting that leaders seem to have forgotten about the district’s infrastructure needs.
Apolot mentioned the government’s allocation of 1.3 billion shillings for road maintenance in Serere but remarked that the situation remains unchanged. “It feels as though our leaders are indifferent to our needs,” she added.
Sam Ocen, the LC1 chairperson of Kyere, highlighted that residents are grappling with numerous health challenges. “In Kyere Health Center III, there are often no medicines available. Even when they are delivered, they are gone within three days. Despite paying high taxes, we need Muntu to understand that Serere deserves better healthcare,” he said.
Ocen also pointed out the poor state of roads, criticizing the local leaders for failing to advocate for improvements. “We have the minister, Hellen Adoa, representing us, yet she has not fought for the roads that were promised by President Museveni. We seek new leadership to address these issues,” he urged. In response to the residents’ concerns, Muntu acknowledged the long-standing promises regarding road improvements, emphasizing the role of corruption in hindering progress.
“The road that has been promised for so long costs less than one million dollars to repair, yet corruption siphons off taxpayer money daily. We lose over 10 billion shillings annually to corruption. If that money were saved, it could build 30 tarmacked roads across the country,” he stated. Muntu emphasized that eliminating corruption is essential for development.
“If we can rid ourselves of corrupt practices, resources will reach the people, creating opportunities for income generation, which, in turn, will benefit the government. This will ensure fair salaries for teachers, sufficient medical supplies in hospitals, and adequate investment in agriculture and fisheries,” he explained.
He criticized the current regime, noting, “We have a government that has mastered the art of making promises without delivering. It appears that President Museveni believes the people of Teso have short memories. He has made the same promises multiple times, taking the people for granted.”
Muntu urged the residents to hold their leaders accountable, stating, “The corrupt will not cease stealing your money, and Museveni will not stop them. It is up to us, the people of Serere, to vote for leaders who will prioritize our needs.” He challenged the audience, asking, “Do you think your leaders and Museveni are unaware of the lack of medications in our health facilities? The problem extends beyond them; we must also take responsibility.”
Muntu concluded his address by calling for unity and action. “I have a team of honest men and women ready to serve the people of Uganda. Ending corruption will be our first priority once we are in power. I urge all Ugandans to vote wisely on January 15, 2026. Together, we can end 40 years of poor service delivery under Museveni. It is time for change.
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