Mugabe R
The reconciliation meeting between Honorable Minister Jim Muhwezi, Minister for Security and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County, also the Rukungiri District NRM Chairperson, and Ms. Peace Rugambwa, Chairperson of Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group, a charity organization focused on improving homesteads and initiating income-generating projects, has failed.
Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group, founded by Peace Rugambwa in 2015, aimed to support disadvantaged communities with onion seeds, digging materials, mattresses, and other essentials across five southwestern districts: Rukungiri, Ntungamo, Kabale, Kisoro, and Rukiga. However, its operations stalled in 2019 under unclear circumstances allegedly involving Honorable Minister Jim Muhwezi.
Following a meeting with the President on March 12, 2024, involving members of Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group and leaders of Rukungiri District Local Government, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni mandated a reconciliation at the Rukungiri District Council Hall between Honorable Minister Jim Muhwezi and Ms. Peace Rugambwa, which ultimately failed.
Honorable Minister Jim Muhwezi convened the reconciliation meeting, inviting Presidential Advisor Mr. Francis Batinti, Honorable Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, Chairperson LC5, District Councilors, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), heads of departments, Office of the RDC, LC3 Chairpersons across the district, and leaders of Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group. Initially promising, the reconciliation encountered disagreements towards the end.
During the State House meeting on March 12, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recommended five actions, including refunding the 12,000 UGX membership fee, investigating Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group’s operations, fostering collaboration with district authorities for ongoing activities awareness, proposing manageable projects, and cooperation with district authorities.
Presidential Advisor Mr. Francis Batinti expressed appreciation for the reconciliation, calling it crucial for Rukungiri District’s resurgence, stressing transparency, discipline, and teamwork for development. He acknowledged Peace Rugambwa’s role as a celebrated mobilizer and emphasized organizational transparency.
Rotarian Steven Nsubuga Bewayo, the Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC), assured readiness to collaborate with Peace Rugambwa and advocated for joint activities.
Honorable Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, urged for purity following reconciliation.
Geoffrey Kyomukama, Chairperson of LC5, expressed gratitude and commitment to service delivery.
Ms. Peace Rugambwa left amidst reactions after shaking hands with Jim Muhwezi, objecting to receiving the membership refund, stating it diminishes the President’s stature. She suggested postponing this and urged members to uphold hope for the group’s revival and sustainability.
