Locals Demand Free Services from Re-elected Village Chairperson

By Denis Mukisa

Residents of Naalyamabidde B Village have called on their newly re-elected chairperson, Ibrahim Kamwoosi, to provide recommendation letters, stamps and other official endorsements free of charge.

The demand came during a thanksgiving ceremony held at Kayunga Sub-county headquarters, where the community celebrated Kamwoosi’s unopposed victory in the recent local council elections.

Villagers argued that since the chairperson did not distribute money to secure votes for his second term, he should equally refrain from charging fees when residents seek his assistance. They insisted that official services must remain accessible to all, particularly in a community still grappling with poverty and unemployment.

Kamwoosi assured the gathering that his leadership would prioritise transparency and accountability. He pledged to establish an official office, improve sanitation, organise poverty-eradication workshops, and ensure every household has a latrine. He also promised to enforce monthly cleaning exercises in line with the presidential directive on National Cleaning Day and to work with neighbouring villages on collective cleanliness drives.

He warned that those who neglect sanitation duties would be reported to higher authorities.

Former district speaker Saleh Bulinson, who officiated the ceremony, urged all elected chairpersons to reject corruption and bribery, noting that such practices undermine their legitimacy. He encouraged residents to support their leaders to accelerate service delivery.

Kamwoosi concluded by presenting his full local council committee to the congregation. He called on residents to hold the team accountable and report any misconduct, stressing that leadership must remain people-centred with no room for exploitation.

Observers say the strong demand for free services reflects a wider expectation among grassroots communities that elected leaders prioritise public service over personal gain.