A group of youth from Ibanda Municipality is urging Joseph Mulinde, son of former mayor Mulinde Deus, to contest for the Ibanda municipality parliamentary seat.
Having benefited from Mulinde’s leadership and community service, they believe he has the potential to bring positive change to the area.
Innocent Mujuni praises Mulinde’s leadership skills, citing his experience as Head Prefect and Speaker of the School Council at Ibanda Secondary School.
“Joseph has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, and we believe he can make a difference in parliament,” Mujuni says.
Agaba Peace, a rehabilitated mental health patient who benefited from Mulinde’s intervention, seconds Mujuni’s recommendation, adding, “Joseph will do so much more when he becomes MP.”
Ivan Atuherwe commends Mulinde for starting a community-based organization in Ibanda that has helped hundreds of mental health patients.
“Joseph’s initiative has changed my life, and I believe he can bring about positive change in Ibanda,” Atuherwe says.
Other youth, including Kobusinge Gorret, Kobugabe Harriet, Charles Kasijja, and Tagawa Junior, echo these sentiments, highlighting Mulinde’s achievements as Area Manager at National Water and Sewerage Corporation and his work at Kanyiginya Auto Shop.
The youth believe that the current MP, Rwaburindori, has contributed to the slow economic growth of the area and that “new blood” is needed to catalyze growth.
When contacted, Mulinde expressed gratitude for the youth’s confidence in him but emphasized his focus on his current role at National Water and Sewerage Corporation.
“I have a mandate to serve this great corporation and I’m fully focused and committed to ensuring water for all in Bweyale/Kiryandongo,” he said.
However, he encouraged the youth to engage in agriculture and take advantage of government initiatives like PDM and other self-enriching initiatives.
Mulinde, known for his reserved nature, similar to his father, has a proven track record of community service and leadership.
His social media platforms showcase his dedication to his work, farming initiatives, and studies.
With a strong educational background, including a PhD in Public Administration and Management, Mulinde is well-equipped to make a positive impact in parliament.
Youth Health Empowerment, which has rehabilitated over 540 patients and currently has 50 patients undergoing rehabilitation, shares the vision of serving humanity and building generations, with a motto of “Mental Health is our Concern.” The organization’s offices are located on Ibanda Main Street.
Mulinde’s reservations about joining politics due to its commercialization are understandable, but the youth remain hopeful that he will reconsider and bring his leadership skills to parliament.
As one youth member said, “We need someone who will energize the talents of the youth and reduce addictions in the municipality. Joseph is the right person for the job.”
Only time will tell if Mulinde will heed the call and follow in his father’s footsteps. One thing is certain, however – the youth of Ibanda have found a potential leader in Joseph Mulinde, and they will be watching his next moves closely.
