NELSON K
The newly sworn-in Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, Gen. Henry Tumukunde, has urged residents of Kitanda Division to embrace mindset change and make productive use of the limited resources available to improve their livelihoods and promote social and economic transformation in the area.
Gen. Tumukunde made the remarks on Thursday afternoon while presiding as guest of honor at the Kitanda Division Oweitu Community Mobilization and Sensitization Workshop held at Kitanda Cell, Nyakina Parish in Buyanja Sub-County.
Addressing participants, Tumukunde commended residents for demonstrating cooperation, unity, and hard work, which he described as essential pillars for community development. He challenged residents, particularly the youth, to abandon laziness, alcoholism, drug abuse, and idleness, calling instead for vigilance, innovation, and a positive mindset geared toward productivity.
He further encouraged a saving culture and investment habits as practical ways of combating poverty, emphasizing that even small-scale agricultural activities can gradually grow into profitable ventures if managed well. While pledging agricultural support to the association, Tumukunde urged members to utilize their knowledge and skills to improve household incomes and transform their communities.
The Rukungiri District Police Commander, SSP Brian Ampeire, also called on residents to remain committed to development initiatives and strengthen collaboration with security agencies.
Speaking during the workshop, SSP Ampeire responded to concerns raised by residents over increasing theft of coffee, bananas, and livestock. He pledged police support in apprehending suspects and addressing insecurity in the area.
He further encouraged community members to work closely with police and develop local by-laws that can be submitted to his office for approval to strengthen security systems, reduce crime, and create a safer environment for residents.
The General Manager of Buyanja SACCO, Mrs. Oliver Nayebare Nyangaro, also emphasized the need for mindset change and financial discipline among community members.
She encouraged residents to embrace hard work and cultivate saving habits to secure their future. Nyangaro cautioned against acquiring loans from banks and financial institutions without proper planning and criticized extravagant spending habits, saying they have contributed to financial hardships in many households.
The workshop also featured religious leaders who emphasized faith and responsible stewardship as important drivers of household transformation.
Rev. Fr. Crispino Mubangizi, Parish Priest of Katojo Catholic Church representing Buyanja Catholic Church, alongside Rev. Isaac Muriisa, Parish Priest of Kagati Church of Uganda, sensitized participants on mindset change, productivity, and wealth creation as key solutions to poverty eradication.
The clerics encouraged residents to maximize God-given resources through creativity and innovation, especially in agriculture and trade. They also highlighted values such as faith, compassion, unity, and kindness as important foundations for social and economic progress, while reminding employers to fulfill their obligations by paying workers promptly and responsibly.
Meanwhile, Dr. Adrian Bainebyaabo and Mr. Gilbert Baitwabaabo, members of the Kitanda Division Association who mobilized the workshop, appreciated guests and residents for supporting initiatives aimed at promoting unity and development.
They explained that the association was initially formed by residents affected by recurring insecurity challenges but has since evolved into a platform driving social and economic development in Kitanda Division.
The leaders also revealed plans to strengthen security through the installation of CCTV cameras to curb theft and enhance protection, while continuing to implement community development programs.
