Lessons to learn from Namaganda’s life, work

A lot of praise has been heaped on Susan Namaganda, who was Woman Member of Parliament for Bukomansimbi District. At the age of 31, it is indeed noteworthy that Namaganda in her first term as MP, had done quite a lot for the constituency. Politicians spoke highly of her when they heard about her death.
The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga said she was touched by Namaganda’s passion for agriculture and the commitment she had in ensuring that the coffee industry is revived.

Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said she was full of energy and determination. The Chairman for the Democratic Party (DP), Mr Norbert Mao, praised the deceased for her relentless efforts in advocating for rural farmers. There was almost no end to the amount of praise she received from them.

But it is when you see and hear praise from the common man, that you realise Namaganda was serious about improving the lives of those in her constituency. The Woman MP was nicknamed bbeyi ya birime (loosely translated to mean, better produce prices). When asked about her works, residents in her constituency heaped the same amount of praise on her.
Richard Matovu spoke of the initiative she made, by introducing orange-irish potatoes in 2013 in order to fight hunger and poverty. He said their hopes of having the MP continue with the agricultural projects have been dashed with her death.

Paddy Kiganda Ssenkungu, the chairperson Buganda Youth Council, said the MP’s choice to encourage residents to boost agricultural produce other than rely on handouts showed she had vision, a statement other people echoed.
Clearly, Namaganda had the people at heart and looked at simple but effective ways to help them. She started with agriculture which she knew many people could do something about. Even though she might not have been as active in Parliament as MPs are expected to be, she did work where she knew she could get some results for her people.

The lesson here is that Namaganda should inspire us all to do something for the people around us. Her fellow MPs should all take a leaf from her life and work. Their constituents look to them to help bring a change in one way or another. And while it is not the MPs mandate to build roads, clinics or set up farms, it is their responsibility to find a way to ensure their people’s voice is heard and action is taken, something Namaganda did well.
May she be an example to us all.