Rukungiri Municipality Trains LC Leaders on Legal Mandates, Accountability and Public Health.

Rukungiri: Rukungiri Municipality has conducted an induction training for Local Council I, II and III leaders aimed at equipping them with knowledge and skills in legal matters, political leadership, public health and good governance.

The induction meeting was held on November 9, at Christ the King Catholic Parish in Rukungiri Municipality, bringing together local council I, II and III leaders from the municipality’s divisions to strengthen their understanding of their roles, responsibilities and legal mandates.

The training was facilitated by lawyer Godfrey Agaba of Atuheire Advocates and Rukungiri Municipal Health Inspector Evas Asiimwe. Other officials in attendance included Municipal Mayor Boaz Kansiime Matita, Municipal Town Clerk Isaiah Tumwesigye, Division Assistant Town Clerks and municipal technical staff.

During the legal session, Agaba guided the leaders on the limits of their jurisdictions and the types of cases they are legally mandated to handle. He explained that Local Council courts are permitted to handle matters such as damage to crops, trespass by animals, disputes involving land acquired customarily, family and child-related matters, disputes concerning customary heirs and certain minor criminal cases, including assault.

Agaba cautioned the leaders against exceeding their legal powers, particularly in imposing punishments. He emphasized that they are not permitted to impose fines exceeding 100 currency points, equivalent to two million shillings, or hand down unlawful sentences and corporal punishments such as caning.

He also reminded the leaders that the official stamps in their possession are government property and must not be used to charge residents for services that should be provided free of charge.

CUE IN…..AGABA… RR

The Municipal Health Inspector Evas Asiimwe urged local council leaders to establish committees responsible for coordinating activities ahead of the National Cleaning Day exercise.

Asiimwe asked the leaders to identify public areas that require cleaning, mobilise residents and ensure maximum community participation in the exercise.

She further advised them to coordinate with their respective divisions after the cleaning exercise so that municipal authorities can collect and dispose of the gathered garbage. She cautioned residents against burning collected waste, encouraging proper waste management practices to protect public health and the environment.

In his opening remarks, Rukungiri Municipal Town Clerk Isaiah Tumwesigye expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of women serving in Local Council I and II leadership positions, saying this was an indication that efforts to empower the girl child and promote women’s participation in leadership were yielding positive results.

Tumwesigye urged the leaders to serve the people who elected them with integrity and responsibility. He cautioned them against accepting bribes, particularly in cases where individuals seek local council signatures to obtain documentation despite not being residents of the respective areas.

He also called on the leaders to remain vigilant on security matters within their communities and support the implementation of government programmes.

CUE IN…..TUMWESIGYE… RR

On his part, Rukungiri Municipal Mayor Boaz Kansiime Matita reminded the local council leaders that leadership is a responsibility rather than merely a title, noting that residents expect their leaders to be accessible, accountable, transparent and committed to their welfare.

Matita urged the leaders to avoid corruption, favouritism, nepotism and political discrimination while executing their duties. He emphasized the need to treat all residents equally, irrespective of their political affiliation, religion, tribe or social status.

He further encouraged them to work closely with municipal technical staff and other stakeholders while respecting the professional responsibilities of technical officers.

The Mayor also called on the leaders to protect public resources, report any misuse of government funds, promote community participation in development projects and maintain respectful communication with residents by providing accurate information.

Matita said the development and success of Rukungiri Municipality depend on collective responsibility and cooperation among elected leaders, technical staff and the community.