They claimed that piped water extensions halted after Kibuule’s earlier tenure and have never resumed, worsening scarcity in the parish and the sub-county at large.
A show of unusual political and economic alliance played out in Kasenge Parish in Nama sub-county, Mukono District, when Chinese and local investors physically escorted former State Minister for Water, Ronald Kibuule to one of his campaign rallies, signaling what they described as a critical vote for “industrial harmony” in the rapidly expanding Mbalala industrial belt.
Kasenge Parish, a home to hundreds of workers employed in industrial parks, factories, and large-scale sugarcane plantations—became the backdrop for a campaign moment that blended labour concerns, investor expectations, and community frustrations.
The investors who walked alongside Kibuule said returning him to Parliament would restore a “working bridge” between factory owners and workers, praising him for previously pushing for better labour conditions in Mbalala Industrial Park.
The electorate credited Kibuule for mediating disputes, ensuring fair treatment of workers, and fostering an environment that attracts foreign and local investment.
Some said the sector had been “slowed down” by leadership gaps since he left Parliament.
Kibuule, echoing their concerns, announced plans to form a joint investor–worker grievance committee, arguing it would offer a structured way to resolve disputes that often lead to abrupt dismissals, strikes, and high labour turnover.
“This committee will ensure that both the investor and the worker benefits,” he said, adding; “It was my effort to lure the foreign investors in Mbalala Industrial Park and they extended to other parts of Nama and Kyampisi sub-counties. After achieving over 200 factories, I can now champion the struggle for fair pay and treatment to the workers.”
Workers who attended the rally voiced long-standing complaints about low pay, which they linked to inadequate skills training.
Kibuule pledged to lobby for the construction of a vocational skills training centre in Mbalala, tailored to industrial jobs.
“Factories demand skilled labour. When workers are properly trained, they can negotiate for better pay,” he told the crowd. “A skilling centre is the only sustainable way to uplift household incomes.”
Mulimamayuuni Faces Backlash as Constituents Demand Evidence on Abduction Allegations
Looking beyond factory matters, Kibuule laid out plans to boost local trade and improve public services.
He vowed to push for the construction of a modern market at Mbalala, saying it would improve safety for women currently selling along the busy Kampala–Jinja Highway.
He also reignited a dormant promise of a Health Centre IV for Mbalala, claiming President Museveni had already committed land for the facility, but the current area MP failed to follow up.
He said the health facility would be essential for responding to industrial accidents and community emergencies.
Residents of Kasenge, however, used the rally to air their frustrations, particularly over water shortages, saying that during his tenure, Kibuule had made sure that piped water extended to different villages, the project which stalled immediately after getting out of office.
“Our village Kasenge is one of the dry areas, which is mainly challenged by water scarcity. We regretted voting Kibuule out of parliament and pledge to correct our mistakes this time, come January 15, 2026,” said Aisha Nalubwama, a resident.
They claimed that piped water extensions halted after Kibuule’s earlier tenure and have never resumed, worsening scarcity in the parish and the sub-county at large.
They also raised concerns over a dilapidated road leading to Victorious Junior School in Kasenge, Mukono district, which they said is now riddled with potholes and nearly impassable.
The rally was capped with a prayer from Sheikh Abas Mujjumba, who praised Kibuule as a “down-to-earth leader who protects ordinary people.”
In a dramatic invocation, the cleric urged divine punishment on anyone “standing in the way of his return.”
His remarks drew mixed reactions, cheers from supporters and murmurs from those concerned about the harsh tone of the blessing.
Files in Seeta Parents Primary School Defilement Case Go Missing as Victims Await Justice
A Campaign Built on Labour Politics and Lost Promises
Kibuule’s campaign narrative in Kasenge illustrates a strategic shift toward labour-focused politics, leveraging the grievances of industrial workers and the influence of factory investors.
By aligning himself with investors while promising protections for workers, he is positioning himself as a mediator in an area where labour tensions are rising.
His promises, ranging from skilling centres, improved health infrastructure, and market development—speak to longstanding socio-economic gaps that industrialisation alone has not resolved.
But unresolved community concerns, especially on water access and poor roads, highlight the political liabilities he carries from previous terms.
Whether the endorsements of investors and religious leaders will outweigh these grievances remains to be seen.
