Rukungiri Residents Seek Museveni's Intervention Over Unpaid Debts

Several people in Rukungiri District have accused Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local People, Peace Rugambwa, of failing to pay them for services provided under her Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire programme between 2019 and 2021. The complainants claim they were left with mounting debts and financial losses. They made the allegations at a press conference at Rukungiri Inn Hotel in Rukungiri Municipality.

The group of complainants includes prominent individuals such as Rukungiri District Business Community Chairperson Chrysostom Byaruhanga Rwakaana, Burama Vocational School founder Engineer Edward Tumusiime, former programme secretary Dinah Kyarimpa, and Tukesiga Moses Rwakakyaka. They claim the programme collected 12,000 shillings from members of the public as a registration fee. The alleged unpaid bills have affected over 40,000 people in Rukungiri and other parts of the Kigezi and Ankole sub-regions.

Engineer Tumusiime revealed that Rugambwa brought 220 students to Burama Vocational School in Bikurungu Town Council for a year of skills training. He stated that Rugambwa signed a memorandum of understanding with the school, assuring him that the students were sponsored by State House, with payment to be made through General Salim Saleh. Tumusiime claims he has not been paid and is seeking 158 million shillings.

Dinah Kyarimpa, who worked as Rugambwa's secretary for three years, also shared her experience. She helped collect the programme's registration fees but left after going 18 months without receiving her salary. Kyarimpa claims she is owed 8.1 million shillings in wages, based on a monthly salary of 450,000 shillings.

Byaruhanga Chrysostom Rwakaana accused Rugambwa of occupying two rooms at his house on Kinyasano Road for three years without paying rent. He claims the arrears total 10.8 million shillings. Meanwhile, Rwakakyaka questioned Rukungiri District LC5 Chairperson Andrewson Katebire over a letter reportedly written to Rugambwa, praising her work and development projects in the district.

The complainants are seeking State House's intervention to investigate their claims and help them recover the money they say they are owed. They are asking for assistance in recovering the unpaid debts. By press time, Rugambwa had not commented on the allegations.

The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, with the complainants awaiting a response from State House. The allegations against Rugambwa have raised concerns about accountability and transparency in the management of programmes aimed at benefiting local communities.

Key points

• The complainants claim over 40,000 people were affected by the alleged unpaid debts.
• Engineer Tumusiime is seeking 158 million shillings in unpaid fees.
• Rugambwa had not commented on the allegations by press time.