The new Kiryandongo District chairperson, Nelson Osaga, has taken office at a time when residents are demanding urgent improvements in health care, education, roads and job creation following a tense election period.
Osaga was sworn in on May 15, 2026, in a ceremony held at the district headquarters and administered by Chief Magistrate Samson Abiti Loum, who urged him to serve with integrity and accountability.
“Public office is for serving people. It must be used with honesty and responsibility,” Loum said.
The ceremony attracted district leaders, civil servants, religious leaders and residents, who welcomed the new administration with public celebrations.
However, the new leadership inherits a district facing deep service delivery challenges.
A key concern is post-election division, with some residents saying political tensions continue to affect cooperation in parts of the district.
Osaga called for unity among leaders and communities.
“We must work together, leaders, civil servants and residents, to improve our district. Without unity, development will be slow,” he said.
Unemployment remains another major challenge, particularly among young people engaged in subsistence farming, casual labour and informal businesses.
Muvuru Angenyo, a youth leader in Mutunda Sub-county, said young people want practical solutions.
“We need jobs and skills training, not just promises,” he said.
Osaga said youth programmes would be prioritised.
“I am aware that young people are facing unemployment and lack of opportunities. My administration will prioritise skills development and income generation programmes,” he said.
Health services continue to face staffing shortages and heavy patient loads.
A 2025 district health assessment shows that Panyadoli Health Centre IV operates at about 50 percent staffing capacity, with roughly 72 health workers instead of the required 130.
A June 2025 district report indicates the facility handles between 300 and 400 patients daily, far above capacity. Only about 30 staff are fully on the government payroll.
The shortages have resulted in long waiting times and pressure on service delivery.
Osaga pledged improvements in both health and education services.
“We are going to prioritise improvement of health and education services so that residents can access better medical care and children can learn in better conditions,” he said.
Education facilities are also strained, with overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages, especially in rural areas.
The 2025 education performance report shows some schools have more than 60 pupils per classroom, above the recommended ratio of 45:1, while teacher staffing stands at about 70 percent.
Road infrastructure remains another major concern, with many feeder roads becoming impassable during rainy seasons.
Osaga acknowledged the challenges and said the district would work with the central government and development partners to address them.
Mr Gerald Mwijukye, a farmer from Masindi Port Sub-county, said poor roads are affecting incomes.
“When roads are bad, it is hard to take our produce to the market. We lose money because traders avoid difficult routes,” he said.
According to the Kiryandongo District Development Plan (2025/26-2029/30), about 40 percent of feeder roads are in poor condition, affecting transport and market access.
More than 70 percent of households depend on subsistence farming, but incomes remain low due to limited value addition and productivity challenges.
Osaga also pledged tighter oversight of public funds.
“Every shilling must be used properly because it belongs to the people. Mismanagement of public resources will not be tolerated in my administration,” he said.
Kiryandongo District has approved a Shs 48.3 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, with Shs 18.1 billion allocated to education and Shs 9.3 billion to health, though officials say the funds remain insufficient to meet development needs.