By Innocent Ruhangariyo
RUBANDA – In Rubanda District, a growing chorus of leaders and residents is demanding transparency and accountability regarding the disappearance of a 1 billion shilling emergency road grant the funds, intended for urgent road maintenance and improvements, have seemingly vanished without a trace, leaving local infrastructure in disrepair.
Since 2019, the road network in Rubanda has deteriorated significantly, prompting concerns among residents and local leaders. Despite the government’s allocation of substantial funds to address these issues, there has been little to no visible improvement in the district’s roads.
The situation has led Hon. Moses Kamuntu, Member of Parliament for Rubanda County West, and Ssewandigi Eric, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Rubanda, to take action by formally requested an explanation from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) regarding the whereabouts of the funds, which reportedly are not reflected in the district’s accounts.
During a recent consultation meeting, Hon. JOGO Kenneth Biryabarema, former LC5 Chairperson and current parliamentary hopeful for Rubanda County East, criticized the mismanagement of government resources emphasizing that the failure to effectively utilize the allocated funds has severely hindered service delivery and access to essential services for local residents.
Biryabarema further suggested that the neglect of road maintenance might be politically motivated, alleging that it serves as retribution against residents who did not support the incumbent MP, Hon. Henry Musasizi and this accusation particularly targets the sub-counties of Nyamweru, Bubare Town Council, Bubare sub-county and Hamuhambo Town Council, Hamurwa sub-county and Town Council as well where road conditions are notably poor.
Biryabarema further highlighted another district’s concern on healthcare services where On November 29, 2023, the government, through the Ministry of Health, donated an ambulance to Rubanda District, However, the vehicle is nowhere to be seen, raising questions about its whereabouts and condition.
Biryabarema expressed disbelief at the government’s provision of what Hon. Musasizi claims to be a poorly conditioned ambulance, which has failed to serve the community effectively and this shortcoming has had dire consequences, with some residents reportedly dying en route to hospitals due to the lack of adequate emergency transport.
