RUKIGA — The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, is chairing an anti-corruption meeting at Rukiga District Hall.
The meeting, which is bringing together district political leaders, technical staff, security organs and community members, is providing a platform for residents to present petitions detailing alleged mismanagement of government projects and funds in the district.
Hon. Barugahara says the engagement is part of government’s commitment to strengthen transparency, value for money and service delivery in Local Governments.
These are some of the concerns Residents are tabling for ministerial intervention:
- Burime Piped Water Project
Over Shs100 million was reportedly spent on a piped water project in Burime Parish. Residents say the project has since failed and there is currently no water supply. - St. Paul’s Secondary School Project
A Shs500 million project at the school is said to have stalled. - District Fish Hatching Project
Residents are questioning a Shs60 million fish hatching project at the district, saying there is nothing on the ground to account for the funds. - Muhanga Town Council Land Sale
Land belonging to Muhanga Town Council was allegedly sold to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. Councillors say they were not informed of the sale amount. The Town Clerk reportedly told council that 30% would be remitted annually to the town council, but residents say nothing has ever been received. - PDM Extortion Allegations
Beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model claim they are being forced to pay between Shs50,000 and Shs100,000 before accessing funds. - Iron Sheets Procurement
The district reportedly procured 1,269 iron sheets at a cost of Shs112 million for schools that, according to residents, had no foundation. Some PDCs are requesting that the materials be returned to the district. Schools mentioned include Ibunda Primary School – 90 sheets, Kibanda Primary School – 80 sheets, and Katamba, alleged to be a private school – 100 sheets. Residents claim the purchase was made without a council minute and allege inflation of quantities, including allocations to the DEO. They further allege that job seekers in Rukiga are being asked to pay bribes to some officers. - Extortion at Mparo HC IV
Shs2.5 million was allegedly extorted from a parent, Midius Twijukye, at Mparo HC IV. The case is said to be before the RDC’s office. - Kigara Parish Land Conflict
Residents are raising concern that land in Kigara Parish is at risk of being taken by an individual identified as Bitarabeho Jome, and that the matter is currently in conflict. - Road Works
Shs37 million was reportedly spent to dig a trench from Bukinda stage to Muhanga Town Council, covering only 50 metres. Residents are also raising concerns about the status of Noozi-Butambi road, said to be a central government road, and Vontare-Rushekyera road under AEDP. - Bukyinda Sub-County Building
Construction of Bukyinda Sub-County headquarters allegedly cost Shs150 million. Residents estimate the value of the structure on the ground at between Shs30 million and Shs40 million. - High Fees at St. Paul’s SS
Despite being a government school with about 900 students, learners reportedly pay between Shs600,000 and Shs900,000 in school fees. - High Fees in Government Primary Schools
Residents claim that all government primary schools in Rukiga are charging high fees. - Non-Functional Irrigation Scheme
An irrigation scheme provided by the President in Kyerero, Muhanga Town Council, is reportedly on the ground but not serving residents.
The meeting is still ongoing.
