In a move reminiscent of bygone days when communities rallied together through collective effort, Kalori Dhizaala, the NRM flag bearer for Kamuli District Chairperson, has embarked on a “bulungibwansi” (community work) initiative, focusing on rehabilitating impassable local roads.
The initiative, which began in Kagumba Sub-county, aims to bridge the gap left by delayed government intervention and foster a renewed sense of community responsibility.
Historically, “bulungibwansi” was a cornerstone of community development, with residents actively participating in tasks like road maintenance, building communal structures, and other vital projects.
However, in recent times, the responsibility for infrastructure development has largely shifted to the government. Dhizaala’s campaign seeks to reawaken this spirit of self-reliance and cooperation, emphasizing that community involvement is crucial, especially when official resources are stretched.
“We are opening a new chapter,” stated Dhizaala during an engagement with residents and local leaders in Kagumba Sub-county, an area plagued by numerous roads that have become virtually impassable.
“This initiative is a gesture of ‘bulungibwansi’ to demonstrate that the community and its leaders can work hand-in-hand. After all, it is we, the community members, who use these roads daily.”
Kagumba Sub-county, in particular, faces significant challenges. Many of its roads have not seen grading or maintenance for extended periods. Even those that have received some attention are riddled with potholes, a consequence of heavy transportation of goods such as milk, sugarcane, and cattle, which are vital to the local economy.
Dhizaala urged the community to embrace patriotism, equating community work to love for one’s country and locality. “Loving your country means supporting each other and cherishing the place you live in,” he remarked.
As Dhizaala gears up for the district chairperson elections, this hands-on approach appears to be a strategic effort to connect with and win the trust of the electorate. He is not solely focusing on roads, however.
His vision extends to other vital social services, including access to clean water and improved healthcare, promising to champion these areas should he be entrusted with the leadership seat.
To kickstart the roadwork in Kagumba, Dhizaala provided essential support, including fuel for a tipper truck and resources for murram digging, mobilizing local participation to address the immediate road concerns.
The initiative signifies a call to the Kamuli community to embrace this ideology of collective action, demonstrating that even in an era of centralized governance, the power of “bulungibwansi” can still pave the way for progress.
