Rukungiri Municipal Councillors Boycott Council Meeting Over Garbage Contract

Rukungiri: A section of councillors at Rukungiri Municipal Council have boycotted an end-of-year council meeting in protest over the alleged illegal awarding of a garbage collection contract.

The councillors accuse the municipal leadership of awarding the contract to N and B Agrifarm Company without the consent and approval of the full council.

The boycott happened on December 22, during a council sitting held at Rukungiri Municipal Hall after the Speaker, Constance Tumusiime, ruled that the contractor had already been awarded the contract. This decision angered several councillors, who walked out, saying the proper procedures were not followed.

The protesting councillors, led by Kijukuru Vianny of Kitimba Ward, Kenneth Mushabe of Rwentondo Ward, and Innocent Rubarondesa of Kinyasano Ward, accused the Speaker, Mayor Charles Makulu, the Town Clerk, and members of the executive of secretly working together to award the contract without council approval.

Other councillors who joined the boycott include Gideon Turyamubugana, Johnson Morning, Consolanta Tumuheirwe, Innocent Muhwezi, Christopher Bamanyisa, Judith Ariho, Abraham Baryajunwa, Naume Anshemeza, and Boaz Kamusiime, the Deputy Speaker.

The councillors also faulted the Speaker for proceeding with the meeting without quorum, noting that only 8 councillors attended out of the 27, which they said makes any decision taken illegal.

Those who attended the meeting included Speaker Constance Tumusiime and Mayor Charles Makulu, who, according to the Local Government Act, are not allowed to vote. Other councillors present were Fred Besigye, Lovence Kamabate, Evakyne Bashamaire, Winnie Turyahamuhisha, Love Turinawe, Emmy Turyabagyenyi, Bernard Turyahabwe, Sylvia Tumusiime, and Mark Sulait.

Responding to the allegations, Speaker Tumusiime dismissed the claims, describing them as misleading. She said the garbage collection contract was awarded following the required procedures and that councillors were briefed on the engagement with the contractor.

Meanwhile, Rukungiri Municipal Mayor Charles Makulu also defended the process, explaining that the garbage collection policy was approved by Parliament and later forwarded to local governments for implementation. He said the council was informed and a service provider was identified in line with the policy.