Minister Jim Muhwezi Concludes Inter-Parish Baraza Tour in Nyakagyeme, Set to Expand Across Rujumbura 

Rukungiri: The Minister for Security, Retired Major General Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, has concluded his inter-parish baraza meetings in Nyakagyeme Sub county as part of a tour set to extend across Rujumbura constituency.  

The minister began his baraza meetings on Monday March 10, accompanied by district heads of departments and delegates from the Ministry of Energy. These officials engaged with locals, explaining their roles and addressing concerns related to service delivery.  

During his visit, Minister Muhwezi met residents in designated centers at the parish level. On Monday, he engaged with the people of Nyakinengo and Katooma parishes. On Tuesday, he visited Kigaaga, Kitimba, and Kabwoma parishes. Wednesday saw him meeting residents of Kahoko, Kinyamahwa, and Rwerere Town Council, before concluding his Nyakagyeme tour on March 13, in Masya and Rushasha parishes.

On March 14, Minister Muhwezi will wrap up his first baraza tour by visiting Bwanda and Kyaruyenje parishes in Ruhinda Sub county. He will later resume the meetings across all sub counties and parishes within Rujumbura Constituency.  

Addressing residents in Masya Parish at Munyeganyegye Church of Uganda and in Rushasha at Kyabugashe Church of Uganda on March 13, Minister Muhwezi expressed gratitude for the public’s participation. He stated that the parish-level meetings were organized to educate and inform citizens about government policies and programs. He highlighted key focus areas, including electricity, water shortages, poor road networks, and the state of education and healthcare facilities.

The minister noted that the meetings had been delayed as he first sought solutions to common concerns. He emphasized that these engagements were non-political, aimed at helping citizens understand service delivery without political or religious affiliations. He also said that the meetings provided an opportunity for leaders to identify and address community challenges.  

Minister Muhwezi assured residents that most of their issues, particularly electricity extension, would be resolved before the next elections, attributing previous delays to the impact of COVID-19.  

CUE IN…..MIN JIM ON BARAZA//RR

During the question-and-answer session, residents raised concerns about a lack of medicines in health facilities, students being sent home from Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools due to unpaid fees, and the poor state of roads, water supply, and electricity. The minister pledged to resolve the electricity issues before June and promised to intervene in other sectors.  

The Senior Commercial Officer for Rukungiri District Caroline Atuheire, who has accompanied Minister Muhwezi throughout the tour, focused on educating the public about the Parish Development Model program. She commended the minister for organizing the barazas, noting that such engagements help communities better understand and utilize government programs effectively.