SIMPSON M
Rukungiri District Security Minister and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura Constituency, Gen. Jim Muhwezi, officially launched the Rukungiri District NRM Mobilizers Association on Wednesday, urging members to prioritize unity and development.
Speaking as the guest of honor at the launch event held at Rukungiri Inn in Rukungiri Municipality, Gen. Muhwezi emphasized that the association should go beyond mobilization and evolve into a savings and credit cooperative (SACCO). This, he noted, would enable members to save and access financial support for personal and collective development.
He cautioned against mismanagement, pointing out that many associations and SACCOs have collapsed due to dishonesty and lack of transparency among committee members. He urged members to establish clear guidelines and ensure accountability to foster sustainable growth.
To support the initiative, Gen. Muhwezi contributed UGX 20 million as seed capital to kick-start the SACCO.
The association’s General Secretary, Mr. Crispus Tumukunde, highlighted that its primary objective is to mobilize for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and create awareness about its achievements.
He acknowledged that NRM members in Rukungiri had been lacking a unifying structure, which led to challenges, including the loss of dedicated party leaders. He expressed confidence that the new association would strengthen their unity and ensure they benefit from their elected leaders through financial contributions to the SACCO.
Rukungiri Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Medius Kaharata, commended the initiators of the association and encouraged members to commit themselves to its growth. She advised them to actively participate in its development and avoid the internal conflicts and dishonesty that have led to the downfall of similar associations in the past.
Rukungiri District LC5 Chairperson, Geoffrey Kyomukama, lauded the mobilizers for their strong turnout and urged them to continue recruiting more members for a united and stronger association. He advised them to utilize the SACCO for savings and loans, emphasizing the importance of using borrowed funds productively.
Hon. Mary Paul Turyahikayo, the NRM flag bearer for Rubabo Constituency and a candidate for the Rukungiri Woman MP seat, described the association’s launch as a significant step forward. She commended the mobilizers for their dedication and expressed confidence that this initiative would revitalize the party’s presence in the district.
She called for transparency and accountability within the leadership to ensure the association remains functional beyond the election period. Additionally, she appealed for peaceful conduct in the upcoming elections, urging members to avoid violence and remember that, regardless of political differences, they remain one people.
