Mugabe R
Councilors from the Southern Division of Rukungiri Municipality have expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment they’ve received from Mayor Makuru Charles. Their concerns were aired during the Budget Conference held on May 14, 2024, where estimates totaling over 385 million shillings were approved for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25.
Emily Atusasirwe, Chair of the Finance Committee representing Kigaaga Ward, approached the mayor’s office to inquire about the delayed payment of the Division’s 81 million shillings revenue return, which has been pending since the 2022/2023 financial year. She and Mukura John, a councilor representing the disabled, expressed dismay over the mayor’s lack of updates and his use of offensive language towards them.
At the conference, Mayor Makuru Charles criticized Denis Ngabirano, the Chairperson of LC3 Southern Division, leading councilors to perceive it as political maneuvering, especially since Ngabirano is eyeing reelection in the upcoming general elections.
Kategaya Fred, representing Ndorero Ward, expressed readiness to confront the mayor, who was expected to attend the event as the guest of honor but sent his deputy instead. Fred blamed the mayor for hindering development in their division by delaying funds and neglecting road maintenance.
Baryajunwa Abraham, the Municipal Councilor representing Southern Division, informed his colleagues that their debt would be addressed in the next fiscal year’s budget.
In response to the situation, Ms. Tumusiime Constance, the Speaker of Rukungiri Municipal Council, advised councilors to channel their inquiries through the Chairperson LC3 and the Assistant Town Clerk, recognizing the rivalry between the Chairperson LC3 and the mayor.
