KOBUGABE J
Rubanda District has disbursed over UGX 350 million under the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), Youth Livelihood Program (YLP), elderly grants, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) grants to boost socio-economic transformation and improve livelihoods in communities.
The funds were officially commissioned during a function held on May 5, 2026, at Volcano Hotel.
Speaking at the event, the Rubanda District Community Development Officer, Gordon Kahwezi, revealed that the district disbursed UGX 200,754,000 under UWEP to 37 women groups, UGX 57,116,000 to 16 youth groups under YLP, UGX 29,636,539 as elderly grants to seven groups, and UGX 64,992,248 to 17 PWD groups.
Kahwezi clarified that UWEP and YLP funds are recoverable and must be paid back, while the elderly and PWD grants are non-refundable and intended to directly improve household livelihoods. He urged committee members and group signatories to remain transparent and accountable to their members.
He also warned Community Development Officers in lower local governments against soliciting bribes from beneficiaries, condemning corruption in the implementation of government programs.
Kahwezi further called upon beneficiaries to put the funds to proper use by implementing the intended projects, noting that both district and ministry officials will closely monitor the programs.
The Rubanda Chief Administrative Officer, Samuel Ahabwe, commended the Government of Uganda for supporting communities through empowerment programs aimed at improving livelihoods.
He disclosed that Rubanda District has so far received UGX 800 million under UWEP and UGX 984 million under YLP from the government. However, he expressed concern over poor loan recovery rates and urged beneficiaries to repay the funds on time since the programs are interest-free.
Meanwhile, the Rubanda District Chairperson, Stephen Kasyaba Ampeire, said the allocation of the funds increased during the 2022/2023 financial year after Rubanda East Member of Parliament Henry Musasizi was appointed Minister of State for Finance (General Duties).
Kasyaba added that the district has also received UGX 21 billion under the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he described as a significant step toward improving household incomes and community development.
However, he highlighted robbery and theft as major challenges affecting residents and urged communities to work closely with security agencies to curb crime.
He also pledged continued improvement of road connectivity to ease access to markets, as well as enhanced delivery of social services, including clean water and healthcare.
Kasyaba further noted that the district hospital has been equipped with staff and medical equipment, while facilities such as Bufundi Health Centre IV, Mpungu Health Centre III, and Ruhiija Health Centre III are being upgraded to improve healthcare services in the district.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Hillary Bindeeba, assured residents of security and encouraged everyone to remain vigilant and security conscious.
He also applauded the Government of Uganda for ensuring that services continue to reach communities at all levels.
