EDITOR
Kabale District councillors have raised serious concerns over the return of UGX 156 million to the national treasury—funds that had been allocated for the construction of the Rukurura gravity flow water scheme in Butanda Sub-County.
The money, which was part of the 2024/2025 financial year budget under the piped water sub-grant, was specifically earmarked for improving access to clean water in the rural sub-county. However, the district administration failed to meet necessary documentation and administrative requirements, leading to the forfeiture of the funds.
During a full council sitting held on Friday, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) Robert Mugabe confirmed that the money had already been returned. He explained that delays in submitting key documents and a missing endorsement letter from the District Chairperson and former Chief Administrative Officer contributed to the setback.
The revelation angered several councillors, who expressed disappointment over the district leadership’s failure to follow up on the project. They described the development as a blow to the residents of Butanda, who have long struggled with access to clean and safe water.
Councillors are now calling for urgent reforms in project coordination and administrative processes to prevent such losses in the future. They also urged the district executive committee to take full responsibility and ensure accountability.
The stalled Rukurura water scheme was expected to serve hundreds of households and improve sanitation in the hard-to-reach sub-county.
