MUGABE R
Councilors of Bikurungu Town Council, Rukungiri District, have abandoned the ongoing preparations for the incoming council over allegations of disrespect and procedural irregularities.
On Monday, September 23, 2024, Councilors on the General Purpose Committee walked out of the Council’s preparatory meeting due to the repeated absenteeism of key department heads, including the Civil Engineer, and the delayed presentation of the Special Audit Report for the Financial Year 2022/2023.
The Councilors have long-standing grievances regarding the delayed presentation of the requested audit report for the financial year 2022/23, lack of updates on implementing Council resolutions, concerns over the Physical Development Plan for Bikurungu Town Council, and disagreements about lockup space allocations.
Mauda Twinobusingye, the councilor representing people with disabilities, supported the decision to abandon the meeting due to the failure to present the audit report and the unresolved issue of unpaid support staff in Bikurungu Town Council.
Jane Kyarampe, the Woman Councilor for Central Ward A, expressed her decision to leave the meeting, citing the lack of transparency regarding procuring a garbage disposal unit, for which 8 million UGX had been allocated. In contrast, garbage continues to pile up throughout the town.
Amon Akankwatsa, the Youth Councilor and Chairperson of the Finance Committee, stated that he left the meeting due to a lack of information regarding revenue collection and accountability.
Henry Nuwagaba, the Councilor for Western Ward and Chairperson of the General Purpose Committee, pointed to a lack of transparency among the individuals responsible for implementation as his reason for walking out.
Esau Aharimpisya Karuhize, the Speaker of Bikurungu Town Council, condemned the political disagreements, expressing frustration over the difficulties in rescheduling the Council meetings due to the disrupted sectoral meeting, which is essential for preparing the order paper.
His Worship Wallen Kajuna, Mayor of Bikurungu Town Council, urged the councilors to be patient, explaining that the special audit report is still being prepared. He encouraged them to resume meetings to ensure effective service delivery.
