“Oh my, is this the kind of life people are living here? Do people really stay in these houses? I am literally shedding tears deep inside after seeing this today, I am convinced with no doubt we need change to end this kind of life in Uganda,” stated independent presidential candidate, Amama Mbabazi as he toured Kasokoso slum in Wakiso district on Wednesday.
Unlike his previous rallies, Mbabazi decided to tour slums in Wakiso district, where he got a shock of his life after seeing the kind of lifestyle Ugandans in the outskirts of Kampala are living.
After touring Mutungo, Kasokoso, Kiganda, Kireka and Bweyogerere slums, Mbabazi said his government would ensure decent living for all Ugandans regardless of their social status.
“This is my first time to visit Kasokoso. You people are doing badly, this is unacceptable. The houses here are built in wetlands. As if this is not enough, even the roads are bad,” said Mbabazi.
Accompanied by his supporters, Mbabazi drove through the muddy road of Kasokoso near Kireka town to access Kireka, where he held his first rally.
“Thank God you have experienced it yourself, this is where we live and what hurts is that after voting, you forget about us and we end up living like this,” Robert Makanga, a resident of Kasokoso shouted as Mbabazi’s convoy drove through the slum.
Mbabazi announced that his government will build 661,000 houses for the urban poor Ugandans in the next five years when voted into power.
“When you elect me as president next year, my government will build 661,000 houses so that we can get rid of houses such as those I have seen in Kasokoso.”
A report released last year by Uganda Human Settlement Network, indicated that Uganda will need over 3 million decent housing units to accommodate about 48 million people by 2020. Currently, the country has a backlog of 1.7 million housing units.
In Kireka, Mbabazi promised he would cut State House’s budget up to 60% to find resources for implementation of government programmes to ensure better service delivery.
Mbabazi defended himself against corruption allegations such as the Temangalo saga, saying his government would ensure that corruption is not tolerated in Uganda.
“Corruption is the greatest enemy to development. I will ensure that my government stands firm on the fight against corruption,” said Mbabazi.
Mbabazi also pledged to modernise the railway transport in Uganda by introducing an electric railway line which he said will only take about three hours to reach Mombasa as opposed to the current railway system which takes three days.
The East African countries are working on the standard gauge railway network to improve transport of goods in the region.
Speaking at Ssaza grounds in Kasangati, where he held his second rally, Mbabazi decried the poor health services, road network and education systems which he said were in a sorry state.
“The only way we can change this, is by voting for change. I know many of you are saying why I didn’t work on them when I was still in government, but I did not have the power. Power in Uganda belongs to the President, so vote me as your president and I will put this right,” he said.
In Kasangati, where Mbabazi’s fellow presidential contender Dr. Kizza Besigye resides, Mbabazi was given a tunic and a spear by his supporters at his third rally.
At Nabweru grounds, Mbabazi promised to address poverty in the country which he said has affected the country’s development.
He was given a Bible, a rosary and a watch by his supporters. He said he would soon declare his national taskforce team to help him canvas for votes ahead of next year’s presidential elections.
