Residents of Butula Constituency in Busia County have voiced their frustration and anger toward Governor Paul Otuoma, accusing him of neglecting their needs since the elections.
The agitated locals claim that since Otuoma’s election, they have not seen any meaningful development or improvement in essential services in their region.
The primary source of discontent is the condition of healthcare facilities, with several hospitals, including the Bakati Health Center in Marachi North, remaining closed years after they were inaugurated.
“Sasa sisi huwa tunachungulia hii hospitali tunaona vitanda za wangojwa ziko ndani lakini huduma haiko,” said Mike Wanjala, a local resident, emphasizing the deterioration of services.
These facilities, which were meant to serve the community, have left many residents in desperate need of care, forcing them to travel long distances for medical treatment.
Similar neglect were reported at the Nela Health Centre, where the hospital had broken windows and stripped wiring.
A medical staff member at the facility revealed that some workers had not been paid for over 31 months.
“Wengine wananiambia wataacha kazi kwa sababu ya madeni ya mishahara,” the staff member said.
Catherine Wandera, another resident, highlighted the poor sanitation and lack of water at the facility.
“Kwani choo kitakosa hata mlango? Tuna wagonjwa, tuna madaktari lakini hakuna maji,” she said.
In addition to healthcare challenges, residents are also disillusioned by the state of infrastructure in the area. In Bukhalalire, a market constructed under the devolution plan lies abandoned, with no activities taking place and structures left to decay.
Despite the initial investments, the absence of functional infrastructure has left the community questioning the effectiveness of devolution.
Jackline Nabwire, a community leader, expressed her frustrations on behalf of many locals, stating that the promises of development and change through devolution have not been fulfilled.
“Wakipenda watusaidie, watoto wetu wanaumia,” she said, highlighting the hardships faced by residents, particularly mothers who are forced to give birth in the streets due to a lack of medical facilities.
The residents are now calling for urgent action from both the county and national governments. They are asking Governor Otuoma to either deliver on his promises or step aside if he is unable to make the necessary changes.
