Rukungiri, Uganda | President Yoweri Museveni has donated 300 million shillings to the Bonabagagawale-Nyekundiire Group, a coalition aimed at supporting farmers and elderly individuals in need across six districts: Rukungiri, Rukiga, Ntungamo, Rubanda, Kabale, and Kisoro.
Peace Rugambwa Twinamatsiko, the chairperson of Nyekundiire, confirmed that this donation is part of a larger pledge of 4.5 billion shillings made during the last presidential campaign, which is intended to be disbursed in installments. She highlighted that the initial funding will be used to procure essential items like blankets, mattresses, and bedsheets for elderly members who cannot afford them.
With over 180,000 members who each contributed a subscription fee of 12,000 shillings, the group aims to meet diverse interests among its members, ranging from agricultural pursuits like onion and coffee farming to chicken rearing. Rugambwa emphasized that the funds will be allocated to cater to these varying interests.
However, the group's leadership has faced internal conflicts, with allegations of sabotage against Rugambwa’s decision-making. Topher Arabasha, leader of the Rukungiri Nyekundiire members’ group, expressed concerns that personal interests are undermining efforts to improve the economic situation in the Kigezi sub-region. He reported instances of police being called to disperse meetings, which hinders mobilization and development efforts.
Sabiiti Rubegyemera, chairperson for Ntungamo District Nyekundiire, echoed these sentiments, stating that many farmers have benefited from the association and are distressed by the internal strife driven by selfish motives.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by community organizations in balancing diverse interests while striving to uplift vulnerable populations through government support and initiatives.
