EDITOR
With just a month to go before the close of the financial year, the Kanungu District Council approved two supplementary budgets totaling Shs 325 million on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing humanitarian and sanitation services at Matanda Transit Centre, which is currently hosting refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The council sitting, chaired by District Speaker Frank Byaruhanga, approved a Shs 214,569,840 supplementary budget to support child protection interventions in response to the refugee influx. The funds, provided by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), will support the district’s community services department in implementing critical activities to safeguard children’s welfare.
An additional Shs 111,324,800 was allocated to fund water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives at Matanda Transit Centre. Both supplementary budgets were presented by Hon. Henry Mwongera, Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Statutory Boards. However, concerns were raised about the limited time available to utilize the funds before the financial year closes.
Meanwhile, district councillors voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of major roads under the jurisdiction of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). Roads singled out include Kanungu–Rutenga–Hamurwa, Kanyantorogo–Butogota–Buhoma–Bwindi, Kihihi–Katete–Kambuga, and Kanungu–Rugyeyo–Nyakishenyi, among others.
Katete Subcounty Councilor Emmanuel Bizimana highlighted the increasing risk of accidents due to the poor road conditions, expressing frustration over unclear reporting channels following the integration of UNRA into the Ministry of Works and Transport.
In response, Kanungu District Chairperson Eng. Sam Kajojo revealed that the district has already communicated the situation to the Ministry of Works and Transport, although they are yet to receive an official response. He emphasized that the road infrastructure challenges are a national issue, not solely a district concern. However, he assured the council that the district has taken emergency action on the Kanungu–Rutenga–Hamurwa road.
Speaker Frank Byaruhanga instructed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and the District Chairperson to write formally to Members of Parliament and the Ministry of Works, requesting a meeting in Kampala to deliberate on the road issues. He further suggested that if no action is taken, a letter be sent to President Museveni inviting him to visit Kanungu and witness the road conditions firsthand.
