Editor
Councilors of Rukungiri Municipal Council have withdrawn their protest against the increasing garbage accumulation in Rukungiri Municipality Town.
During a council session held on Thursday at the Christ the King Parish conference hall, the councilors voiced strong concerns over poor waste management in the town.
Judith Ariho, the woman councilor representing Northern and Kyatoko Wards, criticized the municipal authorities for allegedly bypassing standard procedures and hiring contractors who fail to deliver adequate services.
Abraham Baryajunwa, the councilor representing Kigaaga Ward, pointed out irregularities in the contracting process, emphasizing that the failure to advertise contracts has hindered the attraction of competent service providers.
Kenneth Mushabe, the councilor representing Rwentondo Ward, raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding garbage disposal fees, noting that the rate card for these fees is not publicly accessible.
In response, Robert Nuwamanya, the Town Clerk of Rukungiri Municipal Council, explained that new government policies restrict the advertisement of contracts that do not exceed 400 million shillings. He assured the council that efforts are underway to select a suitable service provider for garbage management.
His Worship Charles Makuru, the Mayor of Rukungiri Municipal Council, referred to a Council minute approved on 30th September 2021, which mandated the hiring of private firms due to the growing amount of waste and frequent breakdowns of garbage trucks.
However, Keijukuru Vian, the Councilor representing Kitimba Ward, criticized this minute, arguing that it was recommended by the committee and immediately seconded by committee members without proper deliberation.
Finally, Love Arinaitwe, the Councilor representing Karangaro Ward, moved a motion to grant the Municipal authorities the authority to recruit a competent firm to manage garbage collection in the town. The motion was seconded by the Council.
