Shock and disappointment have spread across Bukoto South after outgoing Member of Parliament Twaha Kagabo reportedly withdrew the free medical services he had been offering to residents during his term in office.
The decision came shortly after his defeat in the recent parliamentary elections.
Dr Kagabo, a trained medical doctor by profession, entered politics with a strong focus on health service delivery.
Over the last five years, he became widely known for organizing free surgical camps and providing subsidized treatment to people who could not afford medical care.
Many residents of Bukoto South, especially vulnerable families, benefited greatly from these initiatives. For some, it was the first time they had accessed specialized medical services without worrying about cost.
In addition to free and subsidized treatment, Kagabo also provided an ambulance service. This helped patients in emergency situations reach hospitals quickly, saving lives in critical moments.
Because of these health programs, Kagabo built a strong personal following in the constituency. Many people associated him more with health service delivery than with politics.
However, following his loss in the parliamentary elections, the former MP announced that the free medical services would no longer continue. This announcement shocked many residents who had relied on the programs.
According to Kagabo, the decision was not driven by anger or revenge, but by financial reality. He explained that sustaining the programs had depended heavily on his parliamentary salary and allowances.
For the past five years, Kagabo said he used his earnings as an MP to subsidize medical costs. This made it possible to run surgical camps, fuel the ambulance, and reduce treatment fees.
Now that he is no longer a Member of Parliament, he says that source of income is gone. Without it, maintaining the same level of support has become impossible.
Kagabo emphasized that he is not the government. He said he cannot be expected to continue offering free services indefinitely when even the state struggles to provide free healthcare to all citizens.
“Even government itself cannot offer completely free medical services everywhere,” he reportedly explained. “So it is not realistic to expect an individual to do so without income.”
His statement has triggered mixed reactions among residents. Some people say they understand his explanation and appreciate what he did while in office.
Others, however, feel disappointed and betrayed. They argue that healthcare should not be tied to political positions or election outcomes.
Some residents believe the services should have been structured in a more sustainable way. They say relying on one person’s salary made the programs vulnerable.
Health activists have also weighed in on the matter. They say the situation highlights deeper problems in Uganda’s healthcare system, where communities depend on individual politicians for basic services.
According to analysts, Kagabo’s case shows how social services are often personalized in politics. When a leader leaves office, the services disappear with them.
During his term in Parliament of Uganda, Kagabo frequently argued that leaders should directly support their communities. His health programs were often cited as an example.
Now, his exit from Parliament has reopened debate about the role of MPs. Many are asking whether legislators should personally fund services or focus on strengthening public systems.
Some residents are calling on government and local authorities to step in. They want the Ministry of Health to improve services in Bukoto South so that people are not left stranded.
Others are urging the new MP to find ways of continuing or replacing the programs. They say the need for affordable healthcare in the constituency remains high.
For Kagabo himself, the decision marks a difficult transition from political life back to private practice. Supporters say he did what he could within his means.
Critics argue that the withdrawal exposes the risks of charity-based leadership. They say essential services should never depend on election results.
As emotions continue to run high, the situation in Bukoto South remains a painful reminder of how closely politics and survival are linked for many Ugandans.
Whether Dr Twaha Kagabo will find alternative ways to support the community in future remains unclear. What is clear is that his decision has left a gap that many families are now struggling to fill.
