MUGABE R
Residents and local leaders of Nyabitete Parish in Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District, have announced plans to protest the delayed completion of their new Sub County headquarters, which has been under construction for three years.
The announcement came on Saturday, 5th October 2024, during a parish communal work session at the new Sub County premises, where participants cleared the surrounding bush. The project, located at Katobotobo in Buhandagazi Trading Center, Nyabitete Parish, received an initial startup fund of 50 million shillings. Construction progressed to the beam level, with residents and well-wishers contributing to the roofing. However, the building remains unfinished, with doors and interior work pending.
Loyce Ninsiima, a resident of Kanombe Cell, expressed her enthusiasm for the regular communal work efforts, stressing that the completion of the new headquarters would relieve them of the burden of traveling to the old premises in the Town Council for services.
Naume Karambuzi, from Kaata Cell, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of bringing the headquarters closer to residents for easier access to services.
Charles Madidi, the LC1 Chairperson of Kaata Cell, praised the high turnout for the communal work and voiced support for a protest march to the District offices to demand the completion of the headquarters, rejecting further delays and empty promises.
Fabiano Mugisha, a resident of Kanombe and Catechist at Rwamuhima Catholic Center, expressed his frustration with the slow progress, stating that the unfinished building has become a haven for criminals. He urged the government to expedite the release of funds to complete the facility or risk peaceful protests to raise awareness.
Charles Rwakiseeta Paddy, the Secretary General of Nyabitete Parish Council, echoed the call for demonstrations, citing growing security concerns around the incomplete structure, especially during the night.
Charles Karahukayo, the Parish Councilor, acknowledged the community’s dedication to completing the headquarters through communal work. He expressed support for the planned demonstrations, noting the economic losses landlords face due to insecurity and the looming expiration of leases on nearby lockups.
Agaba Emmy Rubondo, the LC3 Chairperson, urged residents to remain patient as they continue to push for the release of funds. He shared the frustrations of working in the current dilapidated and unsafe buildings, which were recently damaged by a hailstorm. Rubondo expressed his support for peaceful demonstrations to highlight the delayed funds but also mentioned efforts to organize a local fundraising campaign as faith in the government wanes.
