Derrick A
A group of residents from Nyarushanje Sub-county, Rubabo Constituency, Rukungiri District, have taken the initiative to demand accountability from their elected leaders regarding the promises made in their manifestos during the 2021 general elections. In a meeting held at Goro Cottages in Kanungu District, a delegation of 40 residents representing various parishes within Nyarushanje Subcounty expressed their concerns.
They emphasized that it has been two and a half years since the election of different leaders, yet many have failed to fulfill the majority of their campaign promises, causing distress among the electorate. Allan Kweyongera, Penelope Asiimwe, Gerald Tumwesigye, and Jackline Owomugisha, speaking on behalf of the group, conveyed their intention to hold their leaders accountable for delivering on their pledges aimed at fostering community development and social transformation.
Encouraging the public to demand accountability from their leaders, they criticized the trend of leaders enriching themselves while neglecting their electoral promises.
Their accountability drive commenced with their district councilor, Hon. Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi, who also serves as the Rukungiri District Secretary for Health. Upon evaluation, they found that he had made efforts towards about 75% of his commitments, though they urged him to intensify his endeavors. They expressed their intention to extend their accountability assessment to other leaders, including legislators.
Hon. Rwabugumi, taken aback by the residents’ initiative, acknowledged their right to demand accountability. He explained the challenges faced in fulfilling promises due to insufficient funding from the government, which often hampers progress on various development projects. Despite these constraints, he highlighted his efforts in addressing issues such as road construction, school infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and water source renovations, partly funded through his resources.
Rwabugumi commended the residents for their proactive stance in seeking improved services by holding their leaders accountable.
