Putting Facts First!! A Clear Defense of Sironko’s Development Journey

By Bwayo Geoffrey

A recent libelous opinion piece by self-styled freelance journalist Mr. Arnold Musamali at Freeman News UG has sparked controversy. Titled “Hon. Nambozo Florence, You Are Not Going to Tiptoe Your Way into a Compliment”, the article raises questions about Arnold’s credibility. Is this the same individual from Nyondo who was arrested for writing malicious stories about the Kyabazinga’s wife and later posted an apology? https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/journalist-apologises-for-sabotaging-busoga-royal-wedding-4435000. The same person who, despite dropping out of school after S4, landed a job at Gal Sports Betting only to be fired for swindling clients?

Arnold’s allegations against Hon. Minister Nambozo Florence are baseless and unfounded, lacking concrete evidence and driven by ulterior motives. His claims are speculative and meritless, deserving of contempt. As a non-resident of Sironko or even a neighboring district, how can he claim to know what is happening in Sironko with precision given his apparent knowledge gaps?

To start with, the Mutufu NRM Structure elections debacle is a case in point. The Minister’s protests are grounded in the party structure election guidelines, where a mysterious Ms. Nalubega Aisha surfaced in the register as the second candidate against Hon. Nambozo Florence, whom the registrar closed the nomination as unopposed in Bukomba village. And while the residents were marveling at this blatant targeting by her rivals, the registrar on duty also had changed. Isn’t this questionable? Interestingly, during the voting, the daughter of Nalubega stood behind Hon. Florence—that spoke volumes.

Secondly, the allegation that Hon. Minister distributed 30,000 purportedly from Hon. Nandala Mafabi, an FDC, is sickening. After being in Parliament for close to 10 years, could the Minister not raise a mere 30m to facilitate her campaigns? Why would the money be coming from Hon. Mafabi who was not part of the exercise? I continue wondering why Arnold keeps targeting Hon. Nandala as this is not the first time. We are aware that at some point, this guy kept abusing him and later inboxed him requesting for financial support. What happened to his ethics? https://www.freemannewsug.com/2023/11/journalist-musamali-arnold-freeman-has.html

The issue of books is another perplexing one. When are books outdated? Aren’t books, books? I would like to clarify that the books distribution journey by Hon. Minister started way back in 2014 even before Florence became MP. It is true the distribution then in 2014 started with the 32-page books. But as the education department evolved, so did the books. She is now supplying 96-paged books to Upper Primary pupils. Sironko District Education Department can actually attest to the fact that on top of these books, Hon. Wamala also donated a modern 3-in-1 printer to help in printing exams. Why the fuss?

Regarding government pledges, making a pledge is one thing and following them up for fulfillment is another. Hon. Minister made follow-ups on pledges as the sitting leader. I find a lacking in his knowledge of the modus operandi of government institutions. As for the ambulance, can he quote the ambulance registration number that came from Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga’s ambulance from her national initiative? The people of Sironko are not foolish to have allowed her to brand a government ambulance as a personal donation. This is another pointer to Arnold’s flawed mind and character.

Lastly, the District Roads Committee, Musamali erroneously claims has a pothole leadership is shocking. Can he bring out evidence that the chair drained road funds on unnecessary “planning meetings”? It is undisputed that the Namagumba–Budadiri–Nalugugu road project affected persons were compensated. Those who have not been compensated as of today have compliance issues as per UNRA guidelines. Unlike Arnold Musamali, who is used to conning and going away with his victims, UNRA has clear guidelines on compensation. As we write now, the road works are actively ongoing. We are grateful the Minister leveraged her position to guide the contractor to start from Nalugugu corner, all aimed at enhancing early access to Mutufu Market. It is disturbing that baseless allegations can be made amidst such an effort.

I advise Musamali Arnold to restrain from this reckless character or else he must be ready to live an apologizing life. Leadership is about service delivery, not personal attacks. Sironko’s progress won’t be deterred by baseless allegations.

The writer is a key opinion leader in the Elgon Zone. Tel 0762589133