NICHOLAS A
Members of the People’s Front Freedom on Thursday joined residents of Kinyasano Ward in Rukungiri Municipality to celebrate the release of their councilor, Innocent Rubarondesa, who has been in prison since July.
Residents expressed their joy and relief, highlighting the challenges they faced during Rubarondesa’s incarceration. Many noted that the ward had been without proper representation, significantly affecting service delivery and leaving them feeling “in the dark.” The impact was not limited to Kinyasano Ward but extended across Rukungiri Municipality.
Rubarondesa, a 38-year-old electrician and dedicated councilor for Kinyasano Ward, was apprehended in Kenya on July 29, 2024, alongside 35 other PFF supporters. Initially detained in Kenya, he was later transferred to Kitalya Government Prison in Uganda, where he remained until his release on Wednesday.
With Rubarondesa back in the community, residents are optimistic that essential services will be restored and governance will improve. They recalled his efforts before his arrest, notably his plans to halt the collection of garbage fees by municipal authorities—a move that was later implemented in his absence.
Local PFF leaders, including Denis Ngabirano, LC 3 Chairperson for Southern Division, and Kaijukuru Vian, Councilor for Kitimba Ward, emphasized the importance of Rubarondesa’s return. They praised his role as an effective mobilizer and a staunch advocate for people’s rights, acknowledging the challenges his absence posed to the party at the district level.
