Outrage has erupted in parts of Mawokota County South after Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Parliamentary Whip and outgoing MP Yusuf Nsibambi allegedly withdrew bursary support for dozens of students following his defeat in the recent presidential and parliamentary elections.
Nsibambi is accused of cutting scholarship and bursary support for at least 60 students in his constituency, a move he has linked directly to his loss at the polls. The outgoing legislator claims the bursaries were funded using his personal resources and argues that voters failed to appreciate his contributions to the community.
According to Nsibambi, parents and residents who benefited from the education support did not back him during the elections, prompting his decision to withdraw the funding. He has been quoted as saying that voters must learn to value what leaders do for them instead of “turning against them at the ballot.”
The decision has sparked widespread condemnation from residents, education advocates, and political observers, many of whom say withdrawing scholarships from students amounts to punishing children for political choices made by adults.
The controversy has been compounded by reports that Nsibambi also ordered the disconnection of electricity in a village within his constituency, similarly claiming that the power connection was financed using his own money. He has further issued warnings to residents to stop criticizing him, allegedly threatening to destroy a power transformer if attacks against him continue.
Critics argue that the withdrawal of bursaries undermines access to education and sets a dangerous precedent where social support is tied to political loyalty. Some parents of affected students have expressed fear that learners, many from vulnerable households, may be forced to drop out of school as a result.
Calls have since grown for relevant authorities to intervene and for political leaders to separate personal political grievances from essential community support, especially when it concerns students’ education.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by education authorities or law enforcement regarding the withdrawal of the scholarships or the alleged threats. The situation continues to draw national attention as debates intensify around leadership responsibility, accountability, and the use of personal-funded projects in public service.
