MUGABE R
A heated session of the Rukungiri Municipal Council on Thursday, 29th May 2025, saw councilors express deep frustration over the deteriorating state of garbage management by Homeklin Limited, the company contracted to handle waste collection in the municipality.
During the council meeting held at the Municipal Council Hall, several councilors raised concerns over the poor handling of garbage, with some calling for immediate action or the termination of Homeklin’s contract.
Gideon Turyamubugana, the Councilor representing Kanyinya Ward, criticized the contractor’s apparent negligence and demanded urgent solutions to the growing garbage problem. Judith Ariho, the Northern A Ward Councilor, highlighted the increasing decomposition of garbage in residential areas and its persistent disposal in front of homes, which she said posed a serious health risk to residents.
Innocent Muhwezi, the Kagashe Ward Councilor, noted that many residents had stopped paying garbage collection fees, leading to widespread dumping of waste in backyards. His counterpart from Kinyasano Ward, Innocent Rubarondesa, urged municipal health inspectors to intensify field operations to address what he described as the rotting state of garbage in the town.
Ariho also proposed issuing a stern warning to Homeklin Limited, demanding improved service delivery or the immediate termination of their contract. The council’s frustration was echoed by Kenneth Mushabe, Councilor for Rwentondo Ward, who expressed concern over poorly maintained public toilets, arguing that they could be hired out for cleaning while generating much-needed revenue for the municipality.
In response to the mounting complaints, Justus Ampaire Kag’s, the Deputy Town Clerk of Rukungiri Municipal Council, announced that Homeklin Limited has been summoned to appear before the council on 4th June 2025 for a negotiation session. He appealed to councilors to remain patient as steps are taken to resolve the crisis.
Deputy Mayor Bernard Baryabawe also called for calm, noting that the municipality is currently undergoing transformation under the Uganda Cities and Municipal Infrastructure Development (UCMID) project. Funded by the World Bank, the project aims to upgrade roads, streetlights, the bus park, and the central market in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Meanwhile, Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rukungiri, cautioned councilors against politicizing government programs and urged them to seek full understanding before debating development initiatives.
Adding to the outcry, Fred Muganzi, Chairperson of the Rukungiri Central Market vendors, voiced concern over the health risks posed by garbage flies contaminating food at the market, stating that past petitions to authorities had yielded no results.
The council’s collective call for action reflects growing public concern over sanitation and health in the municipality, as leaders seek lasting solutions to Rukungiri’s waste management crisis.
