Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 590
Residents and business leaders across the Ankole sub-region are voicing urgent expectations ahead of the State of the Nation Address, demanding concrete solutions to pressing economic and security challenges affecting communities and businesses.
Unlike previous years, when many residents expressed skepticism about the impact of national policy pronouncements, expectations are notably higher following President Yoweri Museveni’s recent swearing-in and the unveiling of a new Cabinet. With Members of Parliament and local leaders now settling into office, many in the region are hoping for policy interventions that directly address their concerns.
“The enforcement was too harsh. People were just trying to earn a living, and now they have nowhere to go. We need the government to regulate, not destroy our livelihoods. I hope the President addresses this issue comprehensively,” Atuhaire said.
Another resident, Senate Agaba, said many small businesses are facing difficult operating conditions and need practical support to survive.
“Our businesses are suffocating. You cannot chase people away from the streets without first providing a designated and functional market space. Many people are waiting to hear how the government plans to ensure that everyone genuinely participates in the money economy, not just in theory but in reality,” Agaba said.
Alongside economic concerns, residents have also raised alarm over what they describe as increasing insecurity in parts of the sub-region, particularly cases of burglary, theft and youth-related crime.
Political analyst Sir Khoikhoi echoed similar concerns, saying security interventions alone cannot address the root causes of rising petty crime.
“The security apparatus can only do so much. If we do not solve the root cause, which is unemployment, we will continue fighting a losing battle against crime,” he said.
He also called for greater attention to labour rights and income protection measures for workers.
“You find some companies paying extremely low wages because there is no minimum wage framework in place. These are issues that affect the quality of life for many Ugandans and deserve national attention,” he noted.
As the nation awaits the presidents address, residents across Ankole say they are looking for clear policy commitments on job creation, security, trade regulation an economic empowerment issues they believe are critical to improving livelihoods and sustaining regional development.
Source: Nile Post
Unlike previous years, when many residents expressed skepticism about the impact of national policy pronouncements, expectations are notably higher following President Yoweri Museveni’s recent swearing-in and the unveiling of a new Cabinet. With Members of Parliament and local leaders now settling into office, many in the region are hoping for policy interventions that directly address their concerns.
“The enforcement was too harsh. People were just trying to earn a living, and now they have nowhere to go. We need the government to regulate, not destroy our livelihoods. I hope the President addresses this issue comprehensively,” Atuhaire said.
Another resident, Senate Agaba, said many small businesses are facing difficult operating conditions and need practical support to survive.
“Our businesses are suffocating. You cannot chase people away from the streets without first providing a designated and functional market space. Many people are waiting to hear how the government plans to ensure that everyone genuinely participates in the money economy, not just in theory but in reality,” Agaba said.
Alongside economic concerns, residents have also raised alarm over what they describe as increasing insecurity in parts of the sub-region, particularly cases of burglary, theft and youth-related crime.
Political analyst Sir Khoikhoi echoed similar concerns, saying security interventions alone cannot address the root causes of rising petty crime.
“The security apparatus can only do so much. If we do not solve the root cause, which is unemployment, we will continue fighting a losing battle against crime,” he said.
He also called for greater attention to labour rights and income protection measures for workers.
“You find some companies paying extremely low wages because there is no minimum wage framework in place. These are issues that affect the quality of life for many Ugandans and deserve national attention,” he noted.
As the nation awaits the presidents address, residents across Ankole say they are looking for clear policy commitments on job creation, security, trade regulation an economic empowerment issues they believe are critical to improving livelihoods and sustaining regional development.
Source: Nile Post