Residents of Kisoro Municipality have called on aspiring Members of Parliament to prioritize education by lobbying for the establishment of a government-funded seed secondary school.
Locals say the initiative is urgently needed to address the burden of high tuition fees in private schools, which many families in the area can no longer afford. These concerns were raised during the ongoing NRM joint primary campaigns held at Kisoro Municipality Mayor’s Gardens and Kidiba Polling Station.
In addition to education, residents voiced frustration over the alleged sale of the public cemetery in Gatovu, which they say has left many families without proper burial grounds. Voters also took aim at candidate Emmanuel Maniraguha for his previous support of the incumbent MP, accusing him of backing a leader who “disappeared” after winning the seat.
Former MP Sam Byibesho also came under fire, with residents criticizing his tenure for focusing on short-term interventions, such as distributing Posho during the COVID-19 pandemic while failing to deliver on key infrastructure promises, including a pledged plastic recycling plant.
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In response, Dr. Leo Mfitimana, one of the prominent aspirants, pledged to establish a plastic recycling industry in the municipality to help manage waste and provide employment opportunities for local youth. He also committed to lobbying for the construction of a government seed secondary school if elected.
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Defending his track record, Emmanuel Maniraguha explained that he was not alone in supporting the current MP and appealed for voter trust, promising to deliver effective representation and advocacy if elected.
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Meanwhile, former MP Sam Byibesho did not directly address the issue of the recycling plant. Instead, he highlighted his achievements during the 2016–2021 term, particularly the opening of several community access roads.
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