The Western Division of Rukungiri Municipality has marked the beginning of its new council term with a first sitting held at the Western Division Council Hall. The meeting brought together division councilors, municipal councilors, officials, and stakeholders. LC3 Chairperson for Western Division, Twinomugisha Sylvia Katimbira, commended attendees for their large turnout. The event signifies the start of the 2026-2031 council term, aiming to drive development in the division.
During the meeting, Katimbira outlined key recommended activities for the financial year 2026-2027. These include fencing some government schools, offering Pre-Primary Leaving Examinations to all primary schools, and providing twin desks to select government schools. The division also plans to continue developing Ministries of Works and Production, Social Services, and Finance, supported by government releases and local revenues.
Despite the outlined plans, Katimbira highlighted several challenges facing the division. These include slow physical planning processes, with some residents failing to obtain plan approvals on time. Delays in tax payments by business operators and accessing government releases also hinder division operations. Katimbira called for unity between councilors and technical staff to ensure lasting development.
Assistant Town Clerk for Western Division, Kwesiga John, discussed pending achievements from the financial year 2025-2026. These include paying councilors' allowances and bidding farewell to outgoing councilors. Other planned activities will commence in the 2026-2027 financial year, starting July 2027. The meeting also featured remarks from Deputy Town Clerk for Rukungiri Municipality, Ampaire Justus.
Justus emphasized the importance of residents following up on plan approvals and paying charges on time to facilitate a smoother physical planning process. He assured that government releases are submitted to divisions promptly, easing operations. Justus also called for cooperation between councilors and technical staff, stressing that only council meetings have the authority to approve development initiatives.
Representing the Mayor of Rukungiri Municipality, Ester Rwamunaahe, the secretary for works and production hailed the Western Division Council for its cooperative spirit towards development. She urged councilors to commit to lasting development, disregarding political parties, tribes, or religion. Rwamunaahe encouraged councilors to follow up on government programs promoting sustainable growth and development.
The new council term aims to drive development in the Western Division of Rukungiri Municipality. Key initiatives and challenges were discussed during the first sitting, emphasizing the need for cooperation and unity among stakeholders. The division seeks to implement its plans, addressing the community's needs and promoting sustainable growth.
Key points
- The Western Division of Rukungiri Municipality has started its new council term with a focus on development initiatives and addressing challenges.
- The division plans to implement key activities, including fencing government schools and providing educational resources.
- Cooperation between councilors and technical staff is emphasized as crucial for lasting development in the community.
