RUBIRIZI,UGANDA — Hon. Cadet Benjamin Buturo, Member of Parliament for Bunyaguru County, has pledged over 5 million shillings to Rubirizi Rotary Club to support the construction of rainwater harvesting tanks in all health facilities in Katunguru Sub-county.
He made the pledge during the inauguration ceremony of the new president of Rubirizi Rotary Club held at Park View Hotel in Kicwamba Sub-county, Rubirizi District.
Hon. Buturo said the Katunguru Water Project targets over 10,000 residents and will cost over 56 million shillings. The project will cover Katunguru Health Centre III, Kishenyi Health Centre II, Kashaka Health Centre II, and Kazinga Health Centre II.
He noted that lack of water is a common and urgent problem in the area and the project will serve vulnerable people in society. He commended non-government organizations for coming out to support government in fighting poverty, improving health, education, and access to water.
Hon. Buturo pledged total support to Rotary and Lions Clubs to ensure they continue helping residents of Rubirizi with development programs aimed at changing community lives.
He further urged residents and local leaders to embrace a spirit of sharing and to help their neighbours, especially the vulnerable, to build their homes. “Anyone who helps the needy receives blessings from God and earns respect in the community,” he said.
The MP noted that many people in Rubirizi still lack clean water and others are suffering from diseases caused by unsafe water. He pledged to work with Rotary to bring clean water closer to residents, saying water is key to health and development.
*Rotary Project Details*
Hon. John Mubangizi, the Project Coordinator for Rotary Club of Rubirizi, said they decided to start with Katunguru Sub-county because the area is highly vulnerable. He noted that at Katunguru Landing Site there is a big water problem, with many children risking their lives in lakes to fetch water and learners missing school to spend hours looking for water.
He said government previously provided plastic water tanks but all of them were destroyed by elephants, forcing residents to go back to drinking unsafe lake water. He highlighted that the Rotary water project will provide durable rainwater harvesting systems to ensure safe water for health care, schools and homes, and will reduce sickness, save lives and keep children in school.
*New Rotary Leadership Installed*
Meanwhile, Hon. Mbonye Marklevis has been installed as the new President of Rubirizi Rotary Club. In his address, he pledged to continue community projects like tree planting, environmental conservation, promoting education, health and community development.
He said his team will prioritize completion of the 4 water tank projects in Katunguru Sub-county at health centers to provide clean and safe water and reduce waterborne diseases. He also announced plans to continue planting trees in all centers and towns across Rubirizi District to protect the environment, fight climate change, prevent soil erosion, and beautify Rubirizi.
Hon. Mbonye promised to support clean-up campaigns in Ndekye, Nyakasharu and Katerera towns by removing garbage, plastics and waste to improve sanitation and public health.
He added that the club will continue organizing medical camps, mobilize blood donation to support hospitals, and support education initiatives. The club will also participate in the Cancer Run to help with public awareness on cancer and other diseases.
*District Governor Speaks*
Mr. Mukasa Daniel, the District Governor for Rotary International, commended Rubirizi Rotary Club for its commitment to community service and development projects in water, environment, education and health. He noted that Rotary’s work supports government in service delivery.
He urged the newly installed leadership to lead with teamwork, integrity, transparency and unity, and to mobilize more members to address challenges like water shortage, poverty and diseases in the district.
_Story compiled by: Hon. Tugume Muzafaru, Senior News Reporter, Omuri Rubirizi
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