To some individuals, success is just around the corner waiting to be seized, while for others it is a long and winding road paved with relentless pursuit and unwavering dedication that requires perseverance and grit.
As the old adage goes “when one door closes, another opens”, but it is the ones who knock persistently like Grace Paddy Kirya Wanzala, the MP-elect for Butembe County in Jinja district, who ultimately reap the rewards of their labour.
This mantra has been Kirya Wanzala’s guiding principle for over two decades.
Despite facing repeated setbacks and heartbreaks, Kirya Wanzala refused to let disappointment define him. Instead, he channeled his energy into building a reputation for empathy, kindness, and community service.
His perseverance finally paid off when he emerged victorious in the January 15 parliamentary elections on the FDC ticket, winning the hearts of the Butembe County residents.
Even media personalities, particularly broadcasters who previously dismissed him as a serious news source or news maker are now clamoring to host him on their radio talk shows.
Meanwhile fellow politicians who once wrote him off as a perennial loser are now scrambling to get his phone number not only to offer congratulations but also to wish him well and pledge support, promising to work with him in the days and years ahead.
As Wanzala’s victory continues to resonate across the district and region, some of his closest friends and allies are speaking out about his journey to another political success. “…we have seen him go through thick and thin, when he was struggling to seek political office, many of those who are now calling him are fair-weather friends not true ones…”, said a one Ronald Isiko of Busedde sub county.
Wanzala himself says, “they are only around when the sun is shining, I have been in this journey for 20 years, and I have seen who my true friends, some saw me as a vulnerable target…”
As he prepares to take office, Wanzala is set to draw inspiration from the wisdom of two of America’s most iconic presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), who famously said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself’, and Theodoore Roosevelt (1858-1919) who embodied the spirit of perseverance and determination with his mantra “do what you can with what you have, where you are”.
Like the 26th President of the US (Theodore Roosevelt), Kirya Wanzala’s journey to parliament has been marked by grit, resilience and a commitment nt to public service
With a clear vision for his constituency and a determination to make a meaningful impact, Wanzala is poised to make the most of his first 100 days in office.
In an exclusive interview with The Exposure Uganda (TEU), a revolutionary digital news platform, Kirya Wanzala shares his plans to identify key allies in Parliament, push for crucial legislative issues, and deliver tangible results for his constituents.
“…within the first 100 days I should have identified a team that is should cooperate with in terms of caucus so that if there is any policy related or legislation brought before the parliament we can work as a team on how to contribute accordingly…”, he remarks.
The FDC diehard also promises to organize a join thanksgiving/victory service where all MPs, religious and other stakeholders from Busoga will be invited as a show of solidarity that they are ready and willing to work for the sub region which boasts of 4.4 million people.
“…by so doing we as MPs from Busoga will kick start a teaming programme which will eventually help us identify socio economic issues or gaps in our respective constituencies and districts and jointly brainstorm on how to mitigate the challengers therein…”, he explains.
Kirya Wanzala promises to use the funds usually allocated to new MPs by Parliament for personal SUVs and wardrobe improvement to instead procure a coaster to ease transport in Kakira and constituency rather than the useless ambulances being paraded by most MPs.
The workers of Kakira earn very low wages and they always get challenges when it comes to transport especially when going for social ceremonies like marriages and funerals.
Information available indicate that nearly all the ambulances donated by politicians, specifically the MPs with their portraits or branding are not fully equipped or staffed to provide adequate emergency care.
The branding of ambulances with politicians’ portraits are seen by most people as a form of self-promotion rather than a genuine attempt to improve healthcare services.
Most of the ambulances donated by MPs countrywide do not meet the required standard and to make matters worse the portraits of the donor MPs are always splashed on them, something health experts say dilute the purpose of ambulances.
“… I already have a heavy-duty hybrid Toyota Land Cruiser, so there is no need for a new vehicle or funds to upgrade my wardrobe which I can comfortable afford without getting assistance from parliament…’the MP-elect says.
Quoting Hellen Keller (1880-1968), a celebrated American author, disability rights advocate and lecturer who said “alone we can do so little, together we can do so much…”, Kirya Wanzala known for his procurement and audit expertise says he will always adopt the management by consultation phrase to execute his duties.
Basing on this principle and being a smart lobbyist and networker, Kirya Wanzala promises to lobby the Ministry of Transport and Works to secure some road equipment like graders and wheel loaders currently gathering dust and rust in workshops to work on some roads.
“…Being an opposition politician does not mean I can not engage or relate with the sitting government, after all our target is about service delivery to the citizens of Uganda beyond my personal ego or interests…”, Kirya Wanzala says.
This is a departure from the usual position taken by most opposition political players who mistakenly think and believe they should have nothing to do with the ruling party although, paradoxically they also draw their emoluments from the government.
Kirya Wanzala also promises to tackle the chronic problem which has persisted in Butembe but specifically in Kakira where rival supporters of former candidates Shaban Okumu and Charles Sande Kabule on one hand and NRM’s Jacob Kabondo.
“…I have already started getting calls from rival supporters asking me to devise ways of forging unity and reconciliation to Kakira where for months or years people have lived a hide and seek life…”, he says.
Kirya Wanzala has also reiterated his commitment to separating politics from development, signaling his willingness to work with the ruling NRM government under President Yoweri Museveni.
This stance has earned him praise from some quarters with many describing him as a pragmatic leader who prioritizes development over partisan politics. Commentators have contrasted his approach with that of some opposition politicians who they say are more focused on grandstanding and publicity stunts than on delivering tangible results for their constituents.
A better devil to work with is how some have described Kirya Wanzala suggesting that his pragmatic approach is likely to yield more benefits for his constituents than the adversarial politics of some opponents.
With a clear vision for his constituency and a determination to make a difference, Kirya Wanzala is set to make the most of his first 100 days in office. By working with key allies in Parliament and in Government, identifying socio-economic issues and lobbying for crucial legislative issues, Kirya Wanzala aims to deliver results that will benefit the people of Butembe Constituency whose past two MPs performed dismally.
