EDITOR
The Chairperson of Boona Bagaigahare South Western Region, Madam Peace Rugambwa, has donated mattresses and bedsheets worth over UGX 5 million to the top 40 Primary Leaving Examination (P.L.E) performers of 2024 from Ntungamo District.
The beneficiaries, who hailed from Rukukuuru and Nyabugando Primary Schools in Rwentobo-Rwahi Town Council, received their gifts during a ceremony held at the organization’s head office in Ntungamo. The event was attended by parents, students, and community leaders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Busingye Mangyeri, the Vice Chairperson of Boona Bagaigahare, commended President Yoweri Museveni and Peace Rugambwa for their efforts in recognizing and rewarding academic excellence. He also urged the President to continue supporting community initiatives aimed at poverty eradication.
Parents, including Oliver Mutabazi and Tumukunde Charity, expressed their gratitude for the generous support, emphasizing that the bedding donations would provide much-needed comfort for their children as they transition to the next stage of their education. The students also acknowledged the gesture as a source of motivation to work even harder in their studies.
However, Rugambwa, who is also the founder of the Boona Bagaigahare Nyekundire Group in Western Uganda, faces allegations of failing to deliver promised items to members across several districts, including Rukungiri and Rukiga. The group, initiated in 2016 to combat poverty through agricultural projects and financial empowerment, required members to pay a registration fee of UGX 12,000, with expectations of receiving support such as onion seedlings, livestock, and household essentials.
Despite these promises, multiple members claim they have not received the expected benefits. In Rukungiri District, Rugambwa is accused of collecting over UGX 500 million from more than 40,000 individuals without fulfilling her commitments. Similarly, in Rukiga District, members allege they lost millions in an unsuccessful agricultural and banking scheme under her leadership.
In response to these grievances, the executive committee of the Boona Bagaigahare Nyekundire Group issued a 14-day ultimatum in November 2024, demanding that Rugambwa comply with specific guidelines set by the Rukungiri District Security Committee. Failure to adhere could lead to her removal from the project.
Rugambwa has denied the allegations, maintaining that she intends to resume the group’s activities and distribute the promised items. She has also accused certain political figures, including Security Minister Jim Muhwezi, of obstructing her efforts to deliver supplies to Rukungiri District. However, many observers view these claims as unsubstantiated.
As tensions persist, affected members are seeking intervention from higher authorities, including President Yoweri Museveni, to address their concerns and ensure accountability in the management of the initiative.
