As political campaigns intensify ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, a growing concern has emerged among leaders in Lamwo district over the increasing number of residents abandoning their daily livelihoods to trail political aspirants.
From the fertile farmlands of Madi-Opei to the bustling markets of Padibe town council, it has become common to see large groups of youth and women following candidates from one campaign stop to another often in exchange for small handouts of shs500 to shs5,000.
This trend, while seemingly harmless, has sparked serious warnings from local leaders about its potential to compromise the district’s productivity, food security, and long-term development.
In Lamwo, over 80% of the population depends on agriculture and petty trade for survival. The district, which borders South Sudan, has historically struggled with poor road networks, limited access to markets, and low household incomes.
As campaign season heats up, leaders fear that the short-term excitement of politics may distract citizens from their key roles in maintaining food supply and income-generating activities.
William Komakech, the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner (RDC), has not minced words in addressing the unfolding issue. “Our people must understand that politics comes and goes, but farming and trade are what sustain households daily,” said Komakech
According to Komakech, “If we continue like this, we will reap famine and poverty in 2026. The same leaders they are following will not help them when their granaries are empty.”
He warned local leaders and political actors to desist from using cash and tokens to lure crowds, saying it undermines genuine engagement and civic awareness.
Komakech added that the community of Lamwo district needs issue-based campaigns, not token-based campaigns. Leaders should tell people what they stand for, not just throw money around.
Akullu Grace Regina, an independent parliamentary aspirant who is aligned with NRM values, also expressed dismay at how campaign culture is drawing people away from their responsibilities.
According to Akullu “candidates must respect voters’ time”
“We are failing our communities if we make them believe their value lies in how loudly they cheer at a rally instead of the food they grow or the businesses they run,” she said during a community engagement in Abakadyak Parish in Aceba sub-county in Lamwo district over the weekend
She said that politicians must flip this script adding that it should be candidates to meet people in the gardens, in their shops, and listen to them where they work, not drag them away with empty promises. She called upon fellow candidates to avoid treating voters as tools for political showmanship.
True leadership respects people’s time. We should be the ones walking to their fields and homes not expecting them to gather and sing for us every day for a handout,” Akullu emphasized.
She further urged community members to critically evaluate candidates not by how much they dish out during campaigns, but by their vision and capacity to deliver long-term development.
The cautionary messages from leaders are already resonating with some residents. Ogenrwot Richard, a seasoned farmer in Abakadyak, lamented how frequent political gatherings are slowly eating into their farming schedules.
“You miss one week in the garden and you fall behind. But these rallies are happening every other day. If we are not careful, our harvest will be poor,” he warned.
Ayaa Judith, a trader in Padibe town council, noted that although campaign events sometimes offer meals or small cash, the losses from closing shops outweigh the benefits.
“A politician may give you shs2,000, but you lose 20,000 in missed sales. We must learn to choose wisely,” she said.
Okello Martin, a boda boda rider, said the culture of following politicians has also discouraged some youths from seeking steady work. “Some now wait for campaign season just to get handouts. It’s killing initiative among our youth,” he observed.
Call for balance
As the 2026 general elections draw closer, the leaders are calling on all stakeholders’ aspirants, voters, and campaign teams to strike a balance between political participation and productivity.
“Let’s not allow politics to rob us of our dignity and livelihoods,” RDC Komakech concluded. “Let’s campaign wisely and work responsibly.”
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.