KIGEZI ELDERS HAND OVER REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM AHEAD OF PRESIDENTIAL RALLY

Post Views: 86
By Ambrose KwerondaIn Kabalewww.mknewslink.comThe Elders and Opinion Leaders of the Kigezi Region, led by the Chairman of the Kabale District Elders Forum, Maj Gen Sabiiti Timothy Mutebire, have today handed over a Memorandum on Developments and Priorities of the Kigezi Region to the Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC).The handover took place during a harmonization meeting held at the Kabale Municipality Council Hall, where elders discussed strategies to boost infrastructure, social services, and economic growth under the NRM Development Agenda for 2025–2026 and beyond.Speaking during the meeting, Maj Gen Sabiiti Timothy Mutebile requested that the memorandum be included on the agenda when President Museveni visits Kabale District for his campaign rally on 25th November 2025.Mutebile also recognized the region’s development achievements, highlighted ongoing challenges, and identified priority areas for the next term.He noted that a proposed factory in Kigezi could provide employment for up to 6,000 people, while the long-awaited Kabale City status is expected to accelerate growth and investment.NRM cadre Feddy Garyahandele called for renewed focus on local iron ore processing and reiterated the need to fulfill the presidential pledge for a ferry on Lake Bunyonyi, citing frequent accidents and transportation challenges faced by local communities.Dr. Protazio Begumisa, the NRM flag bearer for Ndorwa East, proposed upgrading one of the three border points—Mukoki Kavu, Kafujo, or Kakondo—into a customs post to boost trade between Uganda and neighboring Rwanda. He also called for improvements to the Butobere Airfield and Police Barracks, investment in Kabale University infrastructure following the UGX 47 billion presidential pledge, and the upgrading of tourism roads to enhance accessibility and stimulate the regional economy.
The Advisor to the Kabale District Elders Forum, Francis Runumi, who presented the memorandum, said the elders are concerned about Kabale’s slow economic growth. He said that some of the key issues they continue to face include unfulfilled government pledges, pending payments for tea nursery bed operators, unpaid Rwanda border war claimants, the indefinite delay in the operationalization of Kabale City, incomplete or neglected road projects, the stalled Lake Bunyonyi ferry project, and the pending government pledge of Shs. 47 billion for Kabale University, among others.
He emphasized the need for additional youth skilling hubs, the establishment of cooperative societies, and local beneficiation of iron ore to spur job creation and industrialization.He further noted that Kabale should directly benefit from agro-processing initiatives aimed at improving household incomes and livelihoods.The Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Retired Major Godfrey Katamba, commended the elders for their initiative, noting that engaging local leaders ensures that their concerns are addressed before the President’s visit.He assured the elders that their memorandum will be formally presented to the President, and that their recommendations will guide government interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive development in the Kigezi Region.