By Joseph Sooka
Residents of Bukono Constituency, Namutumba District, have issued a poignant reminder to President Yoweri Museveni regarding the long-standing pledge to elevate their constituency to district status.
Led by Abdullah Kamede, the LC I chairpersons in this Constituency, the locals presented a comprehensive report to two key ministers: State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Balugahare, and State Minister for Housing, Princess Persis Namuganza, who also serves as the constituency’s Member of Parliament.
The report was submitted during the Ekibinuko Va Mundolo event at Ivukula Town Council headquarters, designed to enlighten youths about government initiatives, including the Youth Livelihood program.
The locals implored the ministers to petition President Yoweri Museveni to address their concerns, emphasizing that upgrading Bukono to a district would significantly enhance service delivery.
“We are perplexed as to why President Museveni has not responded to our pleas, despite our unwavering support in previous elections,” they queried. Furthermore, they urged the President to honor his commitment to tar the road connecting Busembatia to Bukono and Bukedi Sub-region, which would catalyze economic growth.
“The treacherous terrain of the Mpologoma Swamp renders it arduous to traverse to Palisa, resulting in exorbitant costs when traveling to Bukedi sub-region,” they lamented. Notably, Bukono Constituency is one of the largest in the district, comprising seven sub-counties.
Prior to the event, the ministers inspected a grain milling machine procured by youths in Nakyere Village, Kibale Town Council, utilizing the Youth Livelihood fund.
The youths, led by Paul Wadawa, expressed gratitude to the government for the funding but requested more advanced machinery and increased financial support.
“Our organization, the Walumbe Youth Livelihood Milling Group, has achieved notable success through the Youth Livelihood fund, including the acquisition of this grain milling machine and creation of employment opportunities,” they acknowledged.
“However, we require additional funding and modern equipment to augment our activities and benefit a larger youth population,” they added.
The duo ministers, Balugahare and Namuganza, were tasked with conveying the pressing challenges faced by the residents to the President for resolution.
Minister Balugahare, the chief guest, commended the youths and pledged to present their report to the President. He also warned of imminent investigations into technical personnel suspected of misappropriating government funds earmarked for poverty alleviation in Namutumba.
“There are glaring discrepancies in the Youth Livelihood Program in Namutumba,” he noted. “Upon my arrival, I requested the technical personnel to provide accountability records. They disclosed that since 2015, the government has disbursed Shs1.4 billion, with 100 million demanded from beneficiaries and 4 million for the government. When aggregated, the total demanded amounts to Shs104 million. I inquired about the whereabouts of the Shs1300M balance, and they claimed it was still pending collection from beneficiaries,” he revealed.
Consequently, he instructed the Resident District Commissioner, Fredrick Bangu, to furnish clear accountability reports forthwith. Failure to comply would necessitate a formal referral to General Isoke of the anti-corruption unit for thorough investigation.
Minister Namuganza, the guest of honor, stated that upon his return to Busoga, President Museveni intends to engage with youths and gain insight into the challenges they face. She highlighted that this meeting precedes the President’s visit.
“The President has entrusted Minister Balugahare with the task of evaluating youths who have judiciously utilized government funds to establish lucrative ventures,” she explained. “We will subsequently report back to President Museveni and collaborate with youths in Busoga to identify avenues for addressing pressing challenges,” she added.
Moreover, she commended her constituents for their unwavering support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and encouraged them to maintain their allegiance.
