Masindi NRM leaders launch major project drive to ensure value for money
MASINDI, March 17, 2026 — Subcounty chairpersons from the ruling National Resistance Movement [ NRM ] in Masindi district have launched a comprehensive campaign to monitor government projects, school performance, health centre operations and road conditions.
The initiative aims to ensure that citizens receive adequate services and that there is value for money in all government undertakings.
The campaign was officially launched on Thursday at Kisalizi Health Centre II in Bulima Town Council, Masindi district.
John Byaruhanga Babiiha, Chairperson of NRM Kimengo Subcounty and head of the sub-county NRM chairpersons’ forum, said the group, operating under the umbrella of Masindi district NRM chairpersons for sub-counties, town councils and divisions, seeks to complement the work of other government officials.
“We have not come to fight anyone but to complement what other government officials are doing. During the NRM delegates’ conference at Kololo last year, the President tasked us to monitor different government programmes in our areas of jurisdiction. What we want is adequate services for the people,” he said.
The group comprises 18 chairpersons from various sub-counties, town councils and municipal divisions, who will operate as a unified team.
Byaruhanga said they would compile reports of their findings and submit them to the district NRM chairperson and other relevant offices for action. If no action is taken, they will escalate the issues to the President, noting that poor service delivery negatively affects the ruling party.
He urged district stakeholders to welcome the initiative and collaborate to improve service delivery.
Muhamudu Kyamanywa, NRM Chairperson of Pakanyi Subcounty and Secretary for Publicity, said effective supervision of government programmes would also strengthen the party’s mobilisation efforts.
“On many occasions, government invests money, but there is no value for money, and this is what we have come to address. Many detrimental actions are being taken, putting our party in a bad light. That is what we have come to correct,” Kyamanywa said.
He added that district authorities, including the Chief Administrative Officer and the Resident District Commissioner, are aware of their activities, noting that the team will conduct impromptu inspections of government institutions and projects.
Their first impromptu visit to Kisalizi Health Centre II on Thursday revealed several challenges.
On their way to the facility, they found residents struggling to repair the impassable 10-kilometre Kisalizi–Kitongole road, which connects more than 10 villages. Community members said the road had not been maintained for 10 years, making access to health services, schools and markets extremely difficult.
Emmanuel Alituha, Chairperson LC I of Kimigi, appealed to the government to intervene.
“We have decided to mobilise ourselves to fix this road because it is completely impassable. It is like the government forgot us,” he said.
At the health centre, the team established that in the 2024/2025 financial year, Masindi District Local Government earmarked Shs 67 million for the rehabilitation of the outpatient department. However, the contractor, Ramjet Properties Limited, reportedly used 28-gauge iron sheets instead of the specified 26-gauge.
Despite directives from the district engineer to rectify the anomaly, the structure is said to be ready for handover without the necessary corrections. The NRM leaders vowed not to accept the works unless appropriate action is taken.
The facility, which requires nine staff members, currently operates with only five, three of whom are technical staff.
Job Masereka, the officer in charge, described the workload as overwhelming, noting that the facility has operated for one and a half years without a midwife despite handling expectant mothers.
He welcomed the monitoring initiative, expressing hope that it would help address persistent irregularities.
Saul Atugonza, Chairperson of the Health Management Committee at Kisalizi Health Centre II, said transferred staff are rarely replaced, which undermines service delivery and limits outreach activities due to understaffing.
He also called for the facility to be upgraded to Health Centre III status to enable it to provide more comprehensive services.
Kisalizi Health Centre II is the only health facility in Bulima Town Council, serving more than 20 villages in both Masindi and Hoima districts.
Elisa Bajuga Osborn, LC III Chairperson of Bulima Town Council, commended the NRM leaders, saying the initiative would strengthen local government monitoring mechanisms.
“I am optimistic that with this, service delivery is going to improve. In the past, these NRM leaders were seen as irrelevant and only active during campaigns. We are ready to work with them to ensure there is value for money. Together, we can fight the impunity of some individuals,” Bajuga said.
After assessing the situation, Byaruhanga, who leads the team, pledged to compile a comprehensive report for submission to both district and central government authorities for action.
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