The Parish Priest of Kitanga Catholic Parish in Kabale Diocese, Rev. Fr. Marius Byamukama, has urged voters to reject handouts from politicians and instead demand accountability and improved service delivery.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony on Saturday for Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba, the pioneering male youth councilor and former Vice Chairperson of Rukiga District, Rev.Fr. Byamukama condemned the culture of accepting “petty cash” while essential services remain neglected.
“I’m shocked to see voters scrambling for small tokens from politicians while roads, schools, and health services continue to deteriorate,” he said.
He cited the incomplete Hamuhonga–Murwaara road as a glaring example, questioning why citizens are not demanding answers from their leaders.
Rev. Fr. Byamukama also raised concern over the increasing number of expectant mothers turning to traditional birth attendants, particularly in Kahama Parish, Rwamucucu Sub-county, a trend contributing to high maternal mortality rates in the district.
In his homily, he further called on Christians to embrace proper plastic waste disposal to safeguard the environment, underscoring the church’s responsibility in promoting both spiritual and ecological stewardship.
Former Kasese Municipality MP, Franco Robert Centenary, who represented the Chief Guest, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Secretary General of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) criticized the ruling NRM’s voting system by lining up, saying it breeds division and hostility among voters.
In his remarks, Kwarikunda expressed gratitude to God for the challenges he has overcome in his life and career.
He noted that part of the thanksgiving celebration aimed to raise support for renovating the dilapidated Gwongora Catholic Church in Kitanga Parish.
The event raised Shs 39.2 million in cash and pledges, along with 210 bags of cement. An estimated Shs 394 million is needed to construct the new church structure.
The function, held at Gwongora Catholic Hiika, Kwarikunda’s ancestral home in Hamuhonga, Kashambya Sub-county, attracted numerous political, religious, and community leaders from across Rukiga District.
