Voters in Hoima District have warned they will not support incumbent leaders in the 2026 general elections, citing what they describe as persistent poor service delivery during the outgoing 2021-2025 term.
Residents say many office bearers are seeking fresh mandates despite failing to meet their previous promises.
They point to dilapidated roads, poorly equipped health facilities and limited access to education services as some of the biggest concerns.
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Stephen Wabyoona, a resident of Kijende in Buhanika, said voters must set stricter standards before electing leaders in the next polls.
He noted that some MPs have served multiple terms with little to show in terms of tangible improvements.
"We have some leaders who have been elected for more than two terms but still we don't see changes," he said.
Wabyoona cited the poor state of roads such as Butema-Kikerege-Kisenyi, the under-equipped Butema Health Centre III, and the inadequately facilitated Seed Secondary School in the area.
In Waaki village, Kapaapi Subcounty, residents expressed similar frustrations. Moreen Akumu said many leaders disappear after elections, leaving communities feeling abandoned.
She said locals rely on unsafe water sources shared with livestock and wildlife, while access to healthcare remains limited.
The nearest facilities are Waaki Health Centre II, seven kilometres away, Butiaba Health Centre III more than ten kilometres away, and Watembo Barracks Health Centre III in Buliisa District.
"For us, we don't consider ourselves citizens here. We vote but we don't see any changes," Akumu said, adding that poor road networks make it difficult to reach markets, schools and health facilities.
Judith Nyamaizi, the Buhanika Subcounty district woman councillor, acknowledged gaps in service delivery, especially in the health sector.
She said residents have long requested the elevation of Butema Health Centre III to level IV to manage complicated cases, particularly maternity emergencies.
Nyamaizi said the area has registered three maternal deaths this year alone due to inadequate facilities and poor roads that hinder access to care.
She also pointed to weaknesses in lobbying for resources among local leaders.
When contacted, Hoima District Chairman Uthuman Mugisha Mubaraka, Woman MP Harriet Businge Mugenyi, Bugahya County MP Pius Wakabi and Kigorobya County MP David Karubanga said some planned projects had stalled due to limited resources.
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They urged voters to support them again to allow continuity and follow-up on outstanding commitments.
However, residents insist leaders must stick to their manifestos if they are to regain voter confidence, warning that the 2026 vote will reflect frustrations over unmet promises.
