Mugabe R
The Councilors of Bwambara Sub County, Rukungiri District, comprising 13 members, have unanimously decided not to endorse the budget for the 2024/2025 Financial Year unless they receive clear explanations regarding the priorities and performance of the previous fiscal year, 2023/2024.
This resolution was reached on Monday, March 18, 2024, during a solidarity and review meeting chaired by Speaker Ahimbisibwe Amzan at Omukinyatsi Gardens in Bwambara Trading Center, Bwambara Parish, Bwambara Sub County, Rukungiri District.
The Councilors have agreed to convene a special meeting to discuss and formulate strategies to improve service delivery, given the observed breakdown in service provision despite the Sub County’s dependence on government funding.
Ahimbisibwe Amzan, who also serves as the Councilor representing Rwenshama Parish and the Speaker, expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting the Sub County’s reliance on revenue from Rwenshama Landing Site and other sources within Rukungiri District. However, he noted that this revenue hasn’t translated into adequate service delivery.
Ngabirano Justus, the Substantive Chairperson of the Multi-Purpose Committee, and Kesande Peninah, the Secretary for Social Services, both Councilors representing Bwambara Parish, acknowledged the funding provided by the President but criticized the misuse of funds evidenced by fake accountability documents.
Tushabomwe Dinah, the Chief Whip and Councilor representing Bwambara West, alongside Tumwebaze Enid, Councilor representing Kikongi Parish, raised concerns about the prolonged neglect of road maintenance and insufficient accountability for allocated funds.
Councilors representing disability, Kagambe Deograsuis and Musinguzi Joy, expressed frustration over the long-term neglect of disability issues and the sorry state of Ihimbo Hot Spring.
Katusiime Scovia, the Woman Councilor representing Kikarara, highlighted challenges related to health, education, and water scarcity, emphasizing the difficulty in accessing water sources shared with elephants from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Karyarugokwe Gershom, Councilor representing the elderly and Chairperson of Finance, criticized the concealment of bank statements and accused the Chairperson LC3 of overriding Councilors in defending technical staff, potentially fostering corruption.
In conclusion, the Councilors resolved not to approve the budget for the 2024/2025 financial year until their concerns are addressed. They also demanded the removal of the Chairperson LC3 and Senior Assistant Secretary/Chief from involvement in tenders, and called for action to address the scarcity of road machinery. These demands are to be presented at the next budget conference for clarification.
