Rukungiri Municipality’s Western Division convened a consultative budget conference at Crist the Parish, bringing together local stakeholders and municipal leaders. The primary goal of the meeting was to enhance community service delivery and address both national and local priorities, promoting sustainable development within the municipality.
Kwesiga John, the Senior Assistant Town Clerk, opened the conference by highlighting the importance of community engagement. He noted that this meeting followed several village discussions aimed at identifying key objectives for the upcoming financial year. John outlined significant challenges hindering the implementation of proposed strategies, including insufficient funding, lack of reliable transportation, inadequate office equipment, and issues with waste management. He also mentioned the encroachment on wetlands, non-compliance with tax obligations, and limited local revenue sources as critical barriers to progress.
The needs identified for the financial year 2025/2026 include urgent renovations of roads, construction of latrines in schools, and improvements in health and environmental services. The proposed budget to address these needs totals UGX 603,133,258.
Mayor Charles Makuru addressed the attendees, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Rukungiri. He communicated that funds have been allocated for road maintenance and urged stakeholders to ensure that all renovated roads meet quality standards. The Mayor expressed gratitude for the release of **UGX 3.6 billion** intended for ex-gratia payments to councilors and pensioners.
Addressing ongoing challenges, Makuru acknowledged the persistent issues with garbage collection in the town and assured residents that solutions are on the way. He also announced that Rukungiri Municipality will benefit from the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) initiative, which aims to enhance urban infrastructure. This project includes the installation of street lights, tarmacking of roads, and the construction of a central market with support from the World Bank.
The conference was a pivotal step in fostering collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that Rukungiri Municipality can effectively address the pressing needs of its community and promote sustainable growth.
