NICHOLAS A
Residents in Bwambara Sub County have raised concerns over the invasion of wild animals, which they say is causing harm to both people and gardens, leading to low food production and even loss of lives.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the response from leaders, noting that despite repeated complaints, authorities have failed to fence off the park to prevent animal invasions.
Residents said they regret the time spent electing leaders, pointing out that leaders in Mitooma and Kanungu districts successfully advocated for fencing their parts of the national park, while Rukungiri authorities failed to lobby for an electric fence.
Victoria Baryaigarura, a resident of Nyabubare Parish, said that currently, most men no longer sleep in their homes, choosing instead to stay outside at night to keep the animals from attacking.
Similarly, residents of Omukobusingye Trading Center in Burama Parish, Bugangari Sub County, said they are constantly troubled by baboons, which they say hamper crop farming, with many gardens destroyed.
They added that they are always disappointed by leaders who, once elected, do not return to follow up on issues in the community, such as the landslide in Rugyera, Nyabubare Parish, which destroyed many homes, and the poor state of roads, among other challenges.
In response to the issue of animal invasion, Hon. Mary Paula assured residents in Bwambara that she will advocate for the installation of an electric fence once elected to Parliament.
She said that in many cases, the government has the capacity to address such problems, but due to the failure of some leaders to lobby effectively, these issues persist.
Mary Paula pledged to always consult residents on the challenges they face and to present them on the floor of Parliament.
Additionally, she assured residents of Bugangari and Bwambara of full representation in Parliament, which she said will lead to the establishment of a vocational school in Rujumbura. She noted that due to her effective representation in Rubabo, the constituency now has two vocational schools.
She also promised to ensure the formation of poverty-eradication associations targeting women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), to help in the fight against poverty.
