KALANGALA – Bujumba County Member of Parliament William Lugoloobi has accused leaders elected on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket in Kalangala District of failing to follow up on key government and donor-funded projects, resulting in the collapse of development initiatives worth more than Shs266 billion.
Lugoloobi made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of National Resistance Movement (NRM) mobilisation meetings led by the party’s Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, and other senior party officials. The NRM team is traversing the island district campaigning for its candidate in the June 24 Kalangala Woman MP by-election, Idah Nabayiga.
The legislator, who previously served as Kalangala District Chairperson, said the district was on the verge of a major economic transformation in 2021 before a change in local leadership disrupted critical follow-up efforts needed to secure and implement several projects.
“The people elected leaders who failed to lobby and follow up government programmes. As a result, Kalangala lost opportunities worth billions of shillings that would have transformed livelihoods here,” Lugoloobi said.
According to him, the largest setback was the collapse of a planned aquapark project valued at €49 million (about Shs212.6 billion). The project was designed to include an industrial fish hatchery, processing factory, feed store and workshop aimed at creating jobs and reducing illegal fishing on Lake Victoria.
Lugoloobi said the facility had already been launched and was operational before the 2021 elections, with plans to process and export fish products directly to European markets. However, he claimed the project stalled after the new district leadership failed to maintain engagement with investors and government agencies.
“The aquapark would have created employment for thousands of young people and provided a sustainable alternative to illegal fishing. Unfortunately, the required follow-up was not done and the investment was lost,” he said.
The MP also cited the failure to secure funding for a district hospital despite his administration having completed land acquisition and title verification required by the Ministry of Health.
For decades, residents of the island district have depended on referrals to mainland health facilities, often travelling long distances by water to access specialised care.
Lugoloobi further revealed that Kalangala missed out on Shs54 billion earmarked for the expansion of palm oil growing into Chamuswa after local leaders allegedly failed to pursue a presidential directive ordering the funds to be returned to the district.
He also pointed to the stalled Luku–Utoboka–Mulabana road project, saying surveys had been completed and contractors introduced to district leaders before the initiative was abandoned.
Combined, the projects represented investments worth approximately Shs266 billion, excluding the road infrastructure component.
Lugoloobi urged voters to elect leaders who can effectively lobby government and monitor implementation of development programmes.
“Getting government support is not enough. Leaders must constantly follow up to ensure projects are implemented. Kalangala needs representatives who can act as a strong bridge between the people and the central government,” he said.
His remarks come as the NRM intensifies campaigns across Kalangala’s islands ahead of next week’s Woman MP by-election, which party leaders have described as crucial for strengthening government representation in the district.
The team which also comprises NRM EC Commissioner Amb James Williams Kinobe has also been joined by Director of communication, Hon Emmanuel Lumala Dombo. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is also expected to join the campaigns this week.
