NICHOLAS A
Residents of Rwenshama and Kikarara parishes in Bwambara Subcounty have called for urgent government intervention, demanding the installation of an electric fence to curb repeated attacks from wild animals that are destroying crops and threatening human lives.
The concerns were raised during a campaign rally for Rujumbura County MP aspirant, independent candidate Mr. Murebire Junior Rwendeire, who visited the area seeking support ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Leading the residents’ appeal, Mr. Ndyomuhangi Frank of Nyakabungo B Cell, Burambira Trading Center in Kikarara Parish, highlighted the severe challenges they face. He explained that many men spend days and nights guarding their farms from wild animals, leaving families vulnerable and contributing to widespread hunger and famine.
Frank also raised longstanding issues of severe water scarcity, poor and impassable roads, and the dilapidated state of Kikarara Primary School, calling for immediate renovation. He urged Mr. Rwendeire not to repeat the mistakes of previous leaders who made promises but failed to deliver essential services such as electrifying the park to prevent wildlife from attacking residents’ crops.
Similarly, Mr. Mwebeesa Amon Barirama, another resident of Kikarara, criticized local leaders for their inaction. He decried the lack of clean water, poor road networks, and an unfenced park that exposes the community to wild animals, threatening both lives and livelihoods. He called on Rwendeire to lead efforts demanding the delivery of essential social services.
In Rwenshama Parish, Omukinyamitumbi Cell LC1 Chairperson Mr. Willy Kabudoogo echoed the community’s frustrations. He highlighted the scarcity of government programs and services in their remote area, including inadequate medical care due to understaffed health centers and poor security. He criticized the government for neglecting the community, leaving them vulnerable to wild animal attacks and limiting access to basic services.
Responding to the residents, MP aspirant Mr. Murebire Junior Rwendeire expressed sympathy for their struggles and pledged to support initiatives addressing political discrimination, particularly among local fishermen pressured to surrender their boats in exchange for backing certain politicians. He encouraged residents to exercise their democratic rights and make informed voting choices.
Rwendeire also emphasized the need for educational infrastructure in Rwenshama, calling for a secondary school to address challenges of illiteracy and unemployment and reduce the long distances children must travel to attend school in neighboring parishes. He promised to lobby for increased fishing resources to boost productivity and household incomes.
The MP aspirant concluded by urging residents to vote wisely and select leaders who will genuinely represent their interests in Parliament.
