NELSON K
Rukungiri Municipality Development Forum has selected a new administration team representing all departments of citizens to embrace the growth and development of Rukungiri Municipality, with a focus on economic and socio-economic infrastructure development.
The event took place on Friday at the Municipal offices and was led by Mr. Bogere Steven, a senior sociologist and coordinator of Urban Forums under the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development. This agency aims to coordinate and engage citizens from all walks of life to cooperate with the ruling administrative councils in partnership with the government to embrace social-economic development governance in municipalities and cities across the country.
Mr. Bogere Steven, while addressing journalists, stated that Rukungiri Municipality has joined over 45 urban entities and local governments participating in a structured program similar to the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Project. The aim is to create space for citizens to be part of the planning and development agenda, bridging the gap between the citizenry and the councils in service delivery. USMID has been operational for 10 years, benefiting several urban centers in the country.
Bogere also mentioned a successor project named the Uganda Citizen Municipal Infrastructure Development Project, under which Rukungiri Municipality will fall. He emphasized that significant infrastructure developments are expected, including roads, markets, a drainage master plan, slaughter slabs, and more.
He highlighted that voluntary citizens committed to working with the council are required to oversee council operations, monitor projects, and support initiatives by encouraging fellow citizens to comply with requirements such as taxation, physical planning, and access to municipal services.
The Rukungiri Municipality Town Clerk, Mr. Robert Nuwamanya, after the USMID workshop, informed journalists that the newly appointed committee members are neutral and represent a wide range of professional and social groups. These include entrepreneurs, religious institutions, persons with disabilities, the media, boda boda riders, banks, institutions, women groups, academia, and more—making up the 26-member team. These members have elected their leadership, including a president, vice president, and other executive positions.
He added that the elected committee will serve as a vital link between the municipal council and citizens, collaborating with the municipal executive, technical team, and planning unit to provide recommendations and ideas aimed at embracing positive change and development within the municipality.
The elected President of the Rukungiri Municipal Development Forum, Mr. Rwobusheru Alfred, told journalists that the newly formed forum will coordinate citizens in Rukungiri Municipal Council and collaborate with the municipal technical council and councillors to embrace municipal development.
He pledged to prioritize infrastructure development monitoring, accountability, ethics, and social services. He called for cooperation and collaboration between the citizens and the council to ensure economic development.
Mable Mirembe Karazaarwe, the Rukungiri District Assistant RDC, also attended the workshop. She encouraged cooperation, teamwork, patriotism, and passion in supporting the nation’s economic development.
