VANESSA A
Western Division Council in Rukungiri Municipality has approved a budget estimate of Shs628,020,874 for the 2026/2027 financial year, with funding expected from both local revenue and central government grants.
The approved budget will prioritize several key development projects, including the fencing of Ruruku Primary School, the supply of twin desks to Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools such as Kinyasano Boarding, Kahororo, and Kiyaga Primary Schools, and the repair of Kagogo slaughter slab under its next phase. Other planned interventions include the rehabilitation of a water spring in each ward, promotion of Parish Development Model (PDM) programs through strengthened extension services, and renovation of the staff house at Kalangaro Health Centre II, among others.
While delivering her remarks during the council meeting, LC3 Chairperson for Western Division, Sylvia Twinomugisha Katimbira, commended the Mayor for his continuous guidance and emphasized the need for collective responsibility in achieving the division’s budget targets. She outlined several measures to enhance performance, including total commitment from all stakeholders, timely enumeration and assessment of taxes, effective enforcement, strengthening internal control systems, and continuous sensitization of taxpayers on the importance of proper revenue collection.
In her closing remarks, she stressed that the success of Western Division hinges on unity, goodwill, and cooperation among stakeholders, and called upon the division’s management to adopt strong strategies aimed at fulfilling its development goals.
Rukungiri Municipality Mayor, His Worship Charles Makuru, revealed that the municipality operates under the oversight of the World Bank and other stakeholders, who act as custodians of its development programs. Addressing concerns on trade order enforcement, he clarified that the directive comes from higher authorities and should not be misunderstood as a fault of the councilors.
He also noted that it is a requirement for every LC3 to have a police station, adding that the municipal council has already secured land for this purpose. The Mayor urged leaders to sensitize communities to embrace trade order initiatives and thanked council members for their cooperation throughout his 30 years of service. He pledged continued support and encouraged both current and incoming leaders to represent their constituents diligently, while also appealing for forgiveness from anyone he may have wronged during his tenure. He called on leaders to work towards leaving a lasting legacy.
Kalangaro Ward Council Chairperson, Kyarisiima Moreen, applauded councilors for maintaining calmness and unity, noting that their teamwork has been instrumental in driving development in Western Division. She expressed gratitude for the successful passing of the budget and thanked the government for supporting the division, including plans to establish a police station. She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the implementation of the planned projects.
Senior Assistant Town Clerk for Western Division, Kwesiga John, thanked God for the peaceful conduct of council proceedings, highlighting that the council operated without conflicts. He disclosed that 86% of the budget will be financed through local revenue and noted that several development activities are lined up, including fencing of all government primary schools and provision of desks.
He further revealed that the division will benefit from the UCMID program, which is expected to support road works and installation of street lighting within the town, among other initiatives.
