Bunghoko North MP, Shafiga Wanyenya, has said she has secured road maintenance, an ambulance and funding for women and youth groups during her first 100 days in Parliament.
Wanyenya, a first-time MP, told Bbeg Media at Parliament that one of her biggest challenges during her first 100 days in office had been persuading government ministries to prioritise road maintenance and improve access to healthcare in her constituency.
“I was challenged by lobbying different government ministries to maintain our roads and healthcare services in my constituency,” Wanyenya said.
She explained that the challenge arises partly because ministries prepare their budgets and annual work plans in advance, making it difficult for legislators who approach them late to secure funding for projects in their constituencies.
According to Wanyenya, MPs need to engage the relevant ministries early enough to ensure that the needs of their constituents are considered during the planning and budgeting process.
Despite the challenges, she said she had successfully lobbied for maintenance works on the Mbale-Nkokonjeru and Mbale-Bufumbo roads. The roads have been upgraded, but the remaining work includes the application of murram, she said.
Wanyenya said improving access to healthcare had also been a priority during her first months in Parliament. She said she had secured an ambulance to help residents who struggle to access emergency medical services.
The ambulance is expected to ease the transportation of patients requiring urgent medical attention, particularly those who face difficulties reaching health facilities in time.
Beyond roads and healthcare, Wanyenya said she had started supporting women and young people through savings and credit cooperative groups.
She said she had invested Shs3 million in each of five women’s savings and credit cooperative societies in every sub-county in her constituency. She had also allocated Shs3 million to each of five youth savings and credit cooperative societies in every sub-county.
The initiative is intended to help members access financial resources, start income-generating activities, create jobs and improve their livelihoods.
Wanyenya also said she had engaged the Ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders to explore ways of promoting tourism in the area.
She said Bunghoko North had attractive natural features, including waterfalls, scenic landscapes and opportunities for hiking, which could draw visitors and create economic opportunities for local communities.
She expressed hope that promoting the area’s tourism potential would generate income for residents and support local businesses.
Wanyenya, who was born in Wanale Sub-county in Mbale, said her leadership journey began during her school years and continued through university.
She served as head girl at Mbale Secondary School before joining St Lawrence University, where she chaired the Environment Committee.
She also held various leadership positions while pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Health at Nkumba University.
She said these experiences helped shape her leadership skills and prepared her for public service.
Wanyenya described her political journey as one marked by dedication, humility, conviction and resilience.
She said she first contested for the parliamentary seat in 2021 but lost, finishing second. She returned to the race in 2026 and won the seat.
Her victory, she said, was the result of persistence and a continued commitment to representing the people of Bunghoko North.
Wanyenya also attributed her growing participation in parliamentary business to her decision to introduce herself to the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth and make use of opportunities to contribute during plenary sessions.
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