RUBIRIZI,UGANDA – Leaders in Rubirizi District have called on residents to be vigilant against corruption in government road projects and to protect completed roads.
The call was made during the commissioning of roads, led by Hon. Cadet Benjamin, Hon. Arinitwe Jeniva Nalongo, the Woman MP for Rubirizi, and Hon. Boaz Atwijukire, the MP for Katerera County.
Hon. Cadet Benjamin said leaders are tired of lobbying for funds from central government only for some technical staff and contractors to divert the money and do shoddy work. He urged residents to report any cases of extortion and substandard work to police.
He revealed that roads lined up for works this financial year include Ndekye-Ryeru 2, Nyakiziba-Kabete, Nyakasharu-Nyanza Ibiri-Magambo Seed School-Sinakazi, Mufanjara, Nyanzibiri-Nyakatanda-Kyababuza-Butoha Health Centre III, and Rurama-Nyamishekye-Buzenga, among others.
He noted that good roads will enable residents to access markets, schools and health facilities, and urged them to cooperate with contractors to ensure quality.
Hon. Jeniva urged Local Council leaders to mobilize residents for Bulungi Bwansi to regularly clear bushes and drainage channels, saying many roads deteriorate due to blocked drainages.
Hon. Boaz commended the good cooperation among Rubirizi MPs, technical staff and district leadership in monitoring government projects to ensure value for money, and asked contractors to sensitize communities before starting new works.
Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Ahamedi Kinene, warned against encroaching on road reserves and blocking drainage channels, and urged residents to stop divisions along religious, clan and village lines.
LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Agaba Obed Byakureka, said the district is committed to improving transport and service delivery, assuring that the technical team is on standby to supervise works and ensure taxpayers’ money is put to proper use.
He called on residents to embrace government programs and take ownership of the roads.
Story by Tugume Muzafaru, Senior Reporter – Rubirizi District
