Rukiga’s new sh284m council hall opens with urgent focus on Ebola preparedness

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Rukiga district has officially commissioned its newly constructed council hall, ending months of disagreement between district councillors and the technical team over delays in putting the facility into use.  

The commissioning ceremony coincided with renewed efforts by district authorities to strengthen Ebola prevention measures following the outbreak reported in parts of Uganda.

The modern council hall, constructed by MKET Construction Company Limited at a cost of sh284 million, is expected to strengthen local governance by providing a suitable environment for council deliberations and decision-making. Construction works began on October 16, 2025, and were scheduled for completion by April 16, 2026.

Although the structure was completed within the planned timeline, its commissioning and handover were delayed, triggering tension between elected leaders and technical staff. Several councillors, particularly those serving in the 2021–2026 term, expressed frustration that they were nearing the end of their tenure without holding any council sittings in the new facility.

The issue featured prominently during the district’s final council meeting of the current political term, held in the old council chambers at the district headquarters. Councillors questioned why the completed building remained unused for months after construction had been finalised.

Among the most vocal leaders was former Rwamucucu subcounty councillor Sam Niwandinda, who called on district officials to explain the delay. He argued that leaders who had supported and lobbied for the project deserved the opportunity to use the facility before leaving office.

The concerns prompted clarification from district officials during the commissioning ceremony. District engineer Deogratious Mutabazi explained that leaders had agreed not to open the building until it was fully equipped with furniture and fittings.

According to Mutabazi, while the contractor completed the structural works on schedule, additional time was required to procure furniture and ensure the hall was fully functional before occupation. He said the decision was made to avoid commissioning an incomplete facility.

The completion and commissioning of the hall have since brought relief to both leaders and residents who had awaited its official opening. The facility is expected to host council sessions, committee meetings, public engagements and other official district functions.

Rukiga district speaker Oscar Akampurira praised the efforts of the previous leadership, particularly former district chairperson Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere and members of the former council, for securing funding for the project.

Akampurira noted that it was unfortunate that many of the leaders who championed the initiative did not get the opportunity to use the chambers before the end of their term. However, he described the hall as a lasting achievement that will benefit future leadership and residents.

He said the council hall represents a major milestone in the district’s development and reflects a commitment to improving governance structures and service delivery.

The newly elected Rukiga district chairperson, Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda, pledged to ensure full utilisation of the facility to strengthen governance and advance development.

He said the council hall will provide a modern working environment and improve the quality of deliberations and decisions affecting residents. He also pledged close cooperation with councillors and technical staff to maximise its impact.

Shortly after the commissioning ceremony, attention shifted to Ebola preparedness, with district authorities convening a closed-door Ebola Task Force meeting in the new council hall.

The meeting brought together security officials, health committee members, the district executive, sub-county chiefs, community development officers and other stakeholders responsible for public health and emergency response.

Discussions focused on assessing the district’s readiness to respond to suspected Ebola cases and strengthening prevention measures to avoid community transmission.

Following the meeting, Rukiga district resident commissioner Zadock Kamusiime announced strengthened Ebola prevention measures, particularly around public gatherings where transmission risks are higher.

He emphasised stricter enforcement of health guidelines during burial ceremonies, which often attract large crowds and involve close physical contact.

Kamusiime said local leaders, health workers and security personnel would work together to ensure compliance with prevention measures across the district.

He also noted that Rukiga’s location along major transport routes and near border areas increases the need for heightened vigilance due to high population movement.

Residents were urged to report suspected Ebola symptoms immediately to health authorities to support early detection and response.

Health workers across the district have been placed on high alert, with instructions to monitor patients presenting Ebola-like symptoms and follow established screening, isolation and reporting protocols.

Special attention is being given to busy trading centres, including Muhanga, where population movement is high, and surveillance is considered critical.

Public awareness campaigns have also been intensified, with community sensitisation efforts led by local leaders and health workers.

Residents are being encouraged to observe hygiene practices, avoid unnecessary physical contact and seek medical attention when symptoms appear.

District officials said cooperation from the public remains essential in preventing the spread of the disease.

Nationally, health authorities have reported 19 Ebola cases so far, prompting districts across Uganda to scale up preparedness and response measures.

For Rukiga, the commissioning of the council hall marks a key governance milestone, while its immediate use for Ebola preparedness discussions highlights its role as a central coordination facility for both development and emergency response.

District leaders remain optimistic that the facility will strengthen governance and support timely responses to emerging challenges affecting residents.