MUGABE R
The Rukungiri Municipality Mayor, His Worship Charles Makuru, has urged residents of Rukungiri to warmly welcome the newly elected Mayor, Mr. Kansiime Boaz Matiita, without bias, saying inclusive leadership is key to prosperity.
Makuru emphasized that leadership of the municipality should not be viewed through political party lines, noting that any capable individual, regardless of political affiliation, can lead effectively.
He made the appeal today, 29th January 2026, while addressing the press at his office located at the Municipal premises along Republic Road.
Charles Makuru has led Rukungiri Municipality and its predecessor entities for nearly 30 years, starting his political career in 1995 as a Councillor for Kifunjo Ward. He later served as LC3 Chairperson of the then Rukungiri Town Council and became Mayor of Rukungiri Municipality following its elevation in 2010, a position he held until the end of his 2021–2026 term, when he retired.
A long-time opposition figure affiliated with the Reform Agenda, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and later the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Makuru said many residents expected the municipality to remain under opposition leadership. However, he noted that the election of an NRM candidate as his successor marked the first time the ruling party has taken leadership of the municipality.
Despite the political shift, Makuru challenged residents to support Mayor-elect Kansiime Boaz Matiita, describing him as capable and well-prepared for the task. He stressed that leadership is driven by personal commitment and vision, not party affiliation.
Makuru acknowledged public calls for him to contest again but said he declined due to exhaustion, age, and a desire to preserve his legacy.
Reflecting on his tenure, the longest-serving mayor expressed pride in the transformation of Rukungiri Municipality, noting that he found the area with poor infrastructure but leaves it with improved road networks, tarmac streets, and storeyed buildings.
He, however, pointed out remaining challenges, including inadequate street lighting, the need to tarmac more roads, and the construction of a central market. He revealed that plans for the central market are underway under a USMID project funded by the World Bank, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Makuru thanked councillors, civil servants, district leadership, and the general public for the cooperation that enabled his successful leadership, and advised his successor to maintain the same strong working relationships.
He also appreciated the people of Rukungiri across all political parties for consistently turning up in large numbers during elections, averaging about 80 percent voter turnout, and called for unity and trust in the incoming mayor to ensure continued development and prosperity of the municipality.
