Rukungiri Municipality Disburses Over UGX 100 Million to Community Groups

Rukungiri: Rukungiri Municipality has disbursed over UGX 100 million to 19 community groups through its Community-Based Services Department, with funding from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The funds were handed over to the beneficiaries during a meeting held on March 19, at the Rukungiri Municipal Council Hall.

According to the Principal Community Development Officer (PCDO) for Rukungiri Municipality, John Bosco Twesigomwe, a total of UGX 112 million was allocated to different group projects. These include People with Disabilities (PWDs), the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP) for individuals aged 60 to 79 years, the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP).

Under the PWDs programme, six groups received UGX 4,876,442 each, totaling UGX 29,258,652. Three groups under SEGOP received UGX 3,591,800 each, totaling UGX 10,775,682. Four groups under YLP received UGX 6,212,786 each, totaling UGX 24,851,146. Meanwhile, six groups under UWEP received UGX 8,280,257 each, totaling UGX 49,681,542.

Twesigomwe urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and remain committed to their projects. He emphasized the need for groups under UWEP and YLP to repay the funds so that others can also benefit in the future.

The Mayor of Rukungiri Municipality, His Worship Charles Makuru, called for transparency and cooperation among beneficiaries to ensure the success of the projects. He also encouraged them to involve their families by keeping them informed about the progress and reminded those required to repay the funds to do so in time.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Rukungiri, Broni Kikanshemeza, warned against misuse of the funds, noting that diverting the money would defeat the purpose of the programmes. He added that the technical team will closely monitor all projects to ensure accountability and proper use of the funds.

Kikanshemeza also expressed concern over beneficiaries, especially some women and youth, who have failed to repay previous funds, saying that authorities will follow them up to ensure compliance.