Ugandan voters reject MP’s ‘jembe’ donations ahead of 2026 elections
Constituents of Kagoma County in Jinja District, Eastern Uganda have rejected hand hoes or ‘jembes’ offered by their area Member of Parliament (MP) Moses Walyomu Muwanika who said they needed the rudimentary tools to prepare for the planting season.
“I’m not the only one who rejected the hoe; most households did. We’re tired of just receiving hoes. We need more productive support. Why do we always get hoes? After three years, one hoe is insufficient. We’re saying no to these hoes. Let him take his hoes back,’’ one of his vocal constituents, Mr Denis Kafuko, said.
Mr Kafuko stated that the MP only visits his constituency when election time is approaching.
“Our MP is uncooperative and only shows up during campaign season. We’re fed up with his lack of presence and want him to know we’re unhappy with his performance. We’ve managed to survive without his support for three years, and we’re confident we can finish this term without his support,” he said.
Ms Amina Naigaga, a senior resident of Itakaibolu village, wondered who the MP had consulted before deciding to donate the hoes.
“Initially, it was acceptable, but this time around, who requested hoes from him? We’re not static, our needs change,” she said.
Ms Naigaga added: “Who asked our MP for hoes? Just because we may have needed them in the past doesn’t mean we still do. Not every family relies on farming, and our needs can change from year to year.”
According to her, politicians often make mistakes because they fail to follow up with their constituents.
“You can’t assume someone’s needs without asking them, yet he decided from Kampala that we wanted hoes, which was a misstep,’’ she said.
Mr George Muwone revealed that politics is at play, suggesting that only a few homes rejected the hoes.
“Those families who rejected the hoes are fighting MP Walyomu politically. What are they offering instead? When you refuse something from someone, it implies you’re seeking an alternative. Is this a genuine request or just politics?” Mr Muwone asked.
Mr Walyomu responded by saying that his doors are open to anyone who doesn’t want the hoe, and they’re free to return it, as there are others who missed out on the share.
“Those who don’t want the hoe, please return it. I have constituents who genuinely need these tools. Unfortunately, those who rejected the hoes are idle and being manipulated by selfish individuals,” Mr Walyomu disclosed.
Politicians, especially aspiring MPs are known for making donations whenever the country nears elections. The donations vary depending on the constituency.
Some of the common items donated include cash, hand hoes, pieces of soap, T-shirts, bicycles, salt, matchboxes and food stuffs, among others.
Analysts consider such donations as disguised bribes intended to influence the electorate to vote in favor of the donor, and this, they attribute to low civic education.
In the last two terms he’s been in Parliament, Mr Walyomu has had to successfully defend his victories in court after his closest contenders challenged the voting process.
Story by : Godfrey Masiko
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