MUGABE R
Locals in Rujumbura County, Rukungiri District, have expressed doubt over the credibility of government programs, accusing political leaders of turning service delivery initiatives into campaign strategies.
This follows the recent launch of an electricity expansion distribution project spearheaded by the area Member of Parliament and Security Minister, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, in the sub-counties of Buhunga, Ruhinda, and Nyakagyeme. Many residents perceived the event as a political maneuver ahead of the 2026 general elections.
David Ainamagara, a resident of Kihanga Cell, said he mistrusted the program, describing the launch by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, as pretentious. He noted that residents were denied a chance to ask questions and criticized the presiding minister for linking transport facilitation to the area legislator while on official government duty.
Similarly, Vanansio Tumushabe of Katooma Parish in Nyakagyeme alleged that the technicians taking charge of the project were “imposters,” claiming they were working in the public interest but with intentions tied to election campaigns.
Another resident, Innocent Niwenyesiga of Ahakatare Kibirizi, faulted the government for neglecting the project for over five years. He welcomed the minister’s statement that government programs are not personal property of politicians and should not be presented as such.
Darlington Arinaitwe Mameni from Rutooma Kibirizi expressed frustration, saying residents had grown accustomed to empty promises from the area legislator and no longer expected serious change.
In response to the concerns, Minister Jim Muhwezi attributed the irregularities to challenges surrounding the electricity project itself. However, Hon. Fred Turyamuhweza stressed that the project was fully funded by taxpayers through support from Kuwait, the World Bank, and the China Fund. He blamed delays on COVID-19 disruptions and what he termed the incompetence of the sitting legislator.
Meanwhile, Mr. Isaac Nuwamanya Kaharuza, political assistant to Minister Muhwezi, appealed for patience, explaining that the project had been delayed mainly due to procurement processes for essential equipment.
