By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MITOOMA
Ruhinda County South Member of Parliament aspirant, Hon. Atuhwereire Arthur Kazoora, has condemned the poor state of road infrastructure in the constituency, blaming it on what he described as failed leadership, and pledged to restore the area’s former glory if elected.
Kazoora made the remarks on Monday afternoon while appearing on a live radio talk show on Boona FM, where he said improving road infrastructure would be one of his top priorities.
He revealed plans to procure essential road maintenance equipment for the constituency, adding that he already owns machinery that would complement the new acquisitions.
According to Kazoora, equipping Ruhinda South with a comprehensive road maintenance unit would ease routine road works and significantly improve service delivery.
“When you are elected to Parliament, you are provided with Shs20 million to buy a vehicle. I already have more than two vehicles, so I don’t need another one. I will instead use that money to procure a comprehensive road unit for my county,” Kazoora said.
The NRM flag bearer also pledged to prioritise education, vowing to work with stakeholders to improve performance in government schools.
“I want to start with education. Any headteacher in a government school who thinks they will get less than five pupils in Division One at PLE should seek a transfer early,” he said.
Kazoora questioned why private schools continue to outperform government schools despite teachers from both sectors receiving similar training, saying this pointed to leadership and accountability gaps.
He said his leadership would bring together district education stakeholders to identify practical ways of improving education standards, access to quality healthcare, safe and clean water, electricity in Ruhinda South and beyond.
The MP hopeful also decried what he termed as blackmail and smear campaigns during the ongoing election period, alleging that some individuals were being paid to tarnish his name.
“Someone can be paid to claim that I owe them Shs600,000 and that they are looking for me, yet I am in the field every day campaigning. This is not good politics,” he said, without naming those involved.
Kazoora defeated the incumbent MP Mugabe Kahonda in the August NRM primaries and has since continued to consolidate support across the constituency. He has attracted hundreds of former supporters of Kahonda, particularly women and youth, who have crossed to his camp.
Voters in Ruhinda South say Kazoora’s development work is visible, citing his support for village savings groups, piggery projects, women- and youth-led initiatives, and the installation of solar lights in off-grid areas.
Through the Kazoora Foundation, several community development projects have been implemented, benefiting many residents.
Kazoora is contesting against the incumbent Mugabe Kahonda and retired Capt. Bernard Kamukama, both running as independents. However, political observers say the race is largely between Kazoora and Kahonda. Nationwide polling for members of parliament and President is scheduled on January 15, according to the Electoral Commission revised roadmap.
