Sources at the ferry terminal revealed that staff were instructed to suspend the scheduled departure until RDC Ndege arrived, even though they lacked a valid reason to give to frustrated travelers.
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Buvuma District is facing public outcry after the newly deployed Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Hawah Ndege, caused an unusual and frustrating delay of the government ferry on Friday.
Being one of the busiest days for the ferry, the only public transport connecting the 52 islands constituting Buvuma district, the RDC’s delays disrupted the travel plans of dozens of passengers, raising fresh concerns about her controversial leadership style.
Ndege, who was recently transferred from Luuka District to Buvuma to replace Jackline Birungi who joined active politics in Kayunga, reportedly directed ferry operators to hold the vessel until she arrived.
The ferry was delayed for about one hour, leaving passengers stranded at the docking point without explanation.
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Sources at the ferry terminal revealed that staff were instructed to suspend the scheduled departure until RDC Ndege arrived, even though they lacked a valid reason to give to frustrated travelers.
With bad weather looming, many passengers, including those carrying essential goods, opted for risky travel on small wooden boats fearing that ferry services had been suspended.
“This is not normal. Delays of such nature are rare. Even ministers rarely delay the ferry for more than ten minutes. The RDC should familiarize herself with the schedules of the area she has been posted to,” said one LCI Chairperson who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Several local leaders confirmed receiving multiple phone calls from agitated travelers who expressed concern over being stranded.
Residents feared missing connecting boats to remote islands and incurring unplanned accommodation expenses on the main island.
Flavia Namukasa, one of the affected passengers, criticized the RDC’s behavior saying it reflected poorly on the Office of the President.
“The RDCs we have had before were considerate and respectful. This incident created a bad image for someone who has just arrived in our area. It showed disregard for ordinary people,” she said.
Efforts to obtain a comment from RDC Ndege about the incident and her readiness to work with the people of Buvuma were not successful by the time of publishing this story.
Ndege is not new to controversy. While serving as RDC in Buikwe District, she was suspended by the Office of the President following several accusations involving land grabbing and illegal evictions.
One particular incident that escalated her troubles involved a confrontation with Minister Diana Mutasingwa, who found Ndege demolishing a resident’s home using a disputed court order and a security committee resolution.
Following her suspension from Buikwe, she was posted to Gomba District. However, her deployment was rejected by residents prompting a transfer to Luuka and now to Buvuma.
Political observers have warned that Ndege’s presence in Buvuma may reignite political friction especially considering her tense history with Minister Mutasingwa who also comes from the same greater region.
During her time in Buikwe, Ndege was known for invoking her connection to the liberation struggle, frequently stating that she was a daughter of the fighters who brought the current government into power.
Community leaders and local residents are calling upon the Office of the President and the Ministry for Presidency to investigate the ferry incident and assess Ndege’s fitness for her new role in Buvuma.
There is growing concern that her conduct could affect public service delivery and the already delicate trust between the community and government.
“We do not need officials who see public service as a show of power. Buvuma deserves leadership that is people-centered, not self-serving,” one local councilor said.
As Buvuma begins a new chapter in its leadership, all eyes will be on the RDC to see whether she can build confidence and serve with the humility the island communities expect.