Minister Jim Muhwezi Engages Locals in Parish-Level Baraza Meetings

Rukungiri: The Minister for Security, Hon. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, has launched a series of baraza meetings with residents in every parish across Rujumbura County. The initiative, which began on March 10, kicked off in Nyakinengo and Kigaaga parishes, both in Nyakagyeme Sub County. 

During these meetings, locals raised concerns about issues affecting their communities, and Minister Muhwezi responded to their questions while taking note of key challenges. He was accompanied by district officials, including the district engineer, LCV Chairperson Geofrey Kyomukama, the commercial officer, the National Water manager, and a delegation from an organization tasked with extending electricity in the constituency. Other local leaders also participated in addressing public concerns related to their respective departments. 

Speaking at Nyakinengo Church of Uganda and Kigaaga Health Centre II, Minister Muhwezi explained that holding baraza meetings at the parish level allows for better engagement with smaller groups, reduces the need for long journeys to the sub county, and helps locals directly interact with district officials.

He emphasized that his main focus areas include electricity, water shortages, poor road networks, and the state of education and healthcare facilities. He noted that he had delayed holding these meetings because he first wanted to find answers to the issues that would be raised. 

Minister Muhwezi assured residents that most of their challenges, especially the extension of electricity, would be addressed before the next elections. He attributed previous delays to the impact of COVID-19. 

During the question-and-answer session, locals such as Ibrahim, John Bosco Bwebare, Osbert Kagyezi, and Denis Mukiga raised concerns about the lack of medicines in health facilities, students being sent away from Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools due to unpaid fees, and the poor state of roads, water, and electricity. In response, Minister Muhwezi promised that electricity issues would be resolved before June and pledged to intervene in addressing the other concerns. 

CUE IN….MIN JIM ON BARAZA//RR

LCV Chairperson Geofrey Kyomukama commended Minister Muhwezi for providing a second grader machine, which has been instrumental in improving roads in Rukungiri District, as well as for his other contributions to the region.