Model of Transparency: Bugaddu LC1 Chair Charles Bwatte Holds Public Accountability Meeting

By Denis Mukisa

Bugaddu, Kayunga: In a rare display of grassroots accountability, Local Council I Chairperson Charles Bwatte convened a special public meeting this evening to report on his stewardship, winning praise from residents and senior politicians alike as the country prepares for Local Council elections.

Over 500 residents of Bugaddu turned up for the evening meeting, which was prompted by the Electoral Commission’s recent announcement of the Local Council election program. Bwatte used the platform to present a detailed account of his achievements across four terms spanning 16 years in office.

Key highlights included successful lobbying for boreholes and piped water that have eased chronic water shortages, youth employment initiatives that have enabled young people to earn sustainable incomes, and the acquisition of a village tent and chairs now generating rental revenue for community projects. He also credited his leadership with promoting unity among villagers and forging stronger links with Kayunga district authorities.

Charles Bwatte, Chairperson Bugadu

The meeting received strong endorsement from former Kayunga District Council Speaker Saleh Bulinson, a seasoned politician who once contested for the LC5 chairperson seat. Bulinson described the session as “a model of transparency” that other Local Council chairpersons across the district and country should emulate.

“Accountability like this builds trust between leaders and the people they serve,” Bulinson said, urging more village leaders to adopt similar practices ahead of the polls.

Political observers note that such proactive accountability meetings remain uncommon at the LC1 level, where many chairpersons prefer low-profile operations. Bwatte’s decision to openly report his performance to a large gathering of residents is being viewed as strategic; reinforcing his image as an accessible and results-oriented leader while potentially shielding him from criticism during the upcoming election campaign.

As the nation heads toward Local Council elections, Bwatte’s initiative could set a new benchmark for grassroots governance. His formal declaration for a fifth term at the end of the meeting suggests he is confident that his record of service will resonate with voters who value transparency and tangible development.

Whether this model inspires other aspiring and sitting chairpersons remains to be seen, but in Bugaddu at least, residents left the meeting visibly satisfied with the opportunity to scrutinize their leader’s performance.