Rukungiri Municipal Council has held a benchmarking visit to Kasese Municipal Council to learn best practices in the planning and implementation of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (UCMID) Programme. The delegation brought together both political and technical leaders from Rukungiri Municipality, reflecting the council’s commitment to improve urban management and service delivery.
The team was hosted at Kasese Municipal Council Hall by His Worship Mayor Chance Kahindo Sibyavugha. In his welcome address, Mayor Sibyavugha underlined the value of strong leadership and teamwork in delivering meaningful public services. He urged leaders to work together in resolving internal challenges, emphasizing that unity and coordinated efforts lead to tangible results and improved economic development.
In response, His Worship Mayor Charles Makuru of Rukungiri Municipal Council expressed appreciation to Kasese Municipal Council for the warm reception and for sharing lessons related to the UCMID Programme. He noted that the benchmarking covered key priority areas including solid waste management, local revenue enhancement, environmental management, and infrastructure interventions such as slaughter facilities.
Mayor Makuru also highlighted several achievements already recorded in Rukungiri Municipality. These include strengthened collaboration with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, and the establishment of a High Court through close coordination with the Judiciary. He further cited improved relations with the Uganda Police, rehabilitation and maintenance of feeder roads, and the construction of a modern theatre at Rukungiri Health Centre IV.
The Mayor added that the UPDF is currently constructing two maternity wards, while school construction and renovation efforts have supported improved academic performance. He also underscored strong cooperation with the Office of the Resident District Commissioner and other security agencies.
During the engagements, Ms. Allen Kiiza, Senior Planner and UCMID Focal Person, presented benefits realized under the programme, including improved urban beautification, enhanced security through street lighting, growth of the night-time economy, promotion of tourism, and overall economic development.
Mr. Alex Bulemu, Finance Officer, shared revenue strategies such as political support, public accountability using service delivery and feedback mechanisms, formation of landlords’ associations, and use of media like radio to sensitize residents on tax obligations. He also emphasized performance indicators like maintaining an accurate taxpayers’ register and managing risks to reduce revenue leakages.
Other sessions covered market management, environmental practices, and solid waste management, including door-to-door sensitization, engagement of private waste transporters, and enforcement of waste management bylaws.
The Town Clerk of Rukungiri Municipal Council, Mr. Isaiah Tumwesigye, thanked Kasese Municipal Council for the shared knowledge and reaffirmed the commitment to community ownership and sustainability of UCMID for better service delivery.
