Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group Committee Gives Founder 14-Day Deadline to Resolve Disputes or Face Removal.

Rukungiri: The executive committee of Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the project’s founder, Peace Rugambwa, to comply with seven guidelines set by the Rukungiri District Security Committee.

Failure to comply will result in her removal from the project. All activities of the group, including the distribution of supplies, are temporarily suspended as per the committee’s decision.

This resolution followed a meeting held on November 6, 2024 at Okapi Hotel located in Ruruku cell, Western division in Rukungiri Municipality. The executive committee discussed their ongoing conflicts with the district security committee and agreed to adhere to the seven conditions presented during a recent district security meeting. The committee did not disclose all resolutions, as media access to the meeting was restricted.

Chairperson Tophah Karabaya stated that the group had been urged by President Museveni to cooperate with local authorities. He noted that the executive, boda boda, and religious committees of Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group collectively agreed to the guidelines proposed by the district security committee.

The committee also resolved to halt the distribution of recently received supplies, including 200 mattresses and 100 bedsheets, pending Rugambwa’s compliance with the guidelines. Rugambwa has two weeks to reconcile with both the district security and group committees, following her previous rejection of the proposed guidelines.

Karabaya clarified that if Rugambwa fails to accept the terms, the committee will implement a new approach to ensure the project continues without her. He emphasized that participation in the group is voluntary, and the project would remain operational regardless of her involvement.

The committee has formally communicated these decisions to Rugambwa, Minister for Security Jim Muhwezi, and the Rukungiri District Security Committee in an effort to resolve misunderstandings.

The head of the Boona Bageigahare boda boda riders in Rukungiri Julius Kaijereza, expressed frustration, stating that only 200 mattresses and 100 bed sheets were provided for elderly members, leaving over 530 boda boda members without support. Kaijereza claimed that when he questioned Rugambwa, she accused him of conspiring against her.

Several committee members, including vice chairperson Paul Mubangizi, Bernard Gumisiriza, and retired teacher Busigye Silane, stated that if Rugambwa fails to meet the group’s conditions, she will be dismissed. They also suggested transferring the project’s bank accounts from her personal control to the group’s name to enhance security and transparency.

The Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire Group currently has over 45,000 members across Rukungiri District and neighboring areas.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Peace Rugambwa were unsuccessful, as our reporter’s attempts to reach her by phone were not answered.