MASINDI – Day Two of the Induction of Newly Elected Local Government Leaders in Masindi District is continuing at the district headquarters.
The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, who officially launched the induction, has let the induction continue at the headquarters while he proceeds with other official engagements in the Bunyoro sub-region.
Hon. Balaam thanked the honourable councillors for attending the induction and is calling upon them to be open and report all cases of corruption in Masindi district. He is also urging the leaders to be keen on what is being taught during the sessions.
He has reminded leaders that H.E the President pays capitation grants for schools and hospitals and therefore services should be free.
Key issues that have so far emerged from the ongoing induction include:
Land Grabbing and Illegal Takeover of Municipal Property
Councillors are reporting that the Municipal Commercial House was taken over by Tegeka Enterprise Ltd without permission from the municipality. Hon. Balaam has ordered the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) to investigate and produce a report within three days.
In Nyangahya Sub-county, the community donated land to improve education in the district, but the land was later allegedly given to an Indian investor. The sub-county is demanding its land back. The Minister has instructed SH-ACU to investigate the matter by evening and to retrieve the file for that land.
Shs383M Admin Block and Delayed Projects
The Shs383M that was released for the new administration block of Masindi Municipality is being queried. Councillors report that Site Engineer John Kaija did not use the funds well. Hon. Balaam has directed that Eng. John gives accountability and that the then Town Clerk Daniel Kasala be arrested and interdicted.
A project that has spent 6 years to be completed is still without furniture. The CAO has reported that Shs107M is available for furniture and has promised that by 3rd November 2026, the project will be commissioned.
At Labongo Seed School, electricity and computers have not been installed yet money was spent. The Engineer in charge, Eng. Alfred, has been ordered for interdiction. At Kijyama HCII, fencing was poorly done, while District Engineer Ocen Alfred is accused of renting a resident’s machine to do borehole work.
AFCON and Emyooga Funds
Councillor Byarugaba Benjamin has raised concern over AFCON money. Hon. Balaam has directed the District PAC of Masindi to audit and give a report on whether the money was accounted for and value for money achieved.
On Emyooga, Shs321M was sent for 24 SACCOs but only 21 are said to be active.
Education and Health Gaps
Councillors are reporting inflated enrolment at Kikungura Primary School and are requesting that primary school PTA fees should not exceed Shs40,000.
Kamurasi land in Masindi is being requested to be used to start a medical school to produce clinical officers. A playground at the Teacher Training College is also reported to have been encroached on.
Nyantonzi HCIII is being requested to be upgraded to HCIV, while Kigulya area is requesting for a Health Centre III and electricity in Kisarabwire and Kibulya.
Roads, Power and PDM
Kijunjubwa Town Council councillors are requesting to be considered in the road fund because roads are badly off. Kigura-Kiyora Road was meant to be tarmacked but contractors allegedly connived.
Kiryanga Ward, Kiryanga Division with 16 villages is saying the PDM money given is too little and is requesting for more.
In Kisita Ward, Kimagzi, a transformer got destroyed and residents have no power. Hon. Balaam has called the UEDCL manager who has promised a program of upgrading and replacing the faulty transformer.
Councillors are also requesting that Masindi Stadium, which is being constructed by the UPDF, be made accessible to them so they can monitor progress.
