Security minister Muhwezi settles Rujumbura irrigation issues
Muhwezi warns residents against illegal sand mining in Rushaya River in a bid to keep environmental degradation at bay.
Minister for security and Rujumbura County MP Maj Gen Jim Katugugu Muhwezi (L) convened a meeting to settle irrigation issues in the county. (Courtesy photo)
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Security minister Maj Gen (Rtd) Jim Katugugu Muhwezi has urged residents in Rukungiri district to always report issues and seek help through official channels rather than resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands.
He made remarks during the reconciliation meeting between Bwambara sub-county, Rujumbura county (in Rukungiri) and officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment on issues of the Nyabugando Irrigation Scheme project.
The irrigation scheme, located in Nyabugando village, was established in 2017 by the water and environment ministry under a presidential directive issued by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The decision came after Bwambara sub-county experienced a terrible famine brought on by an extended dry spell.
However, tensions escalated on April 1 this year, when officials from the ministry allegedly dismantled and removed the irrigation equipment. The situation forced area MP Muhwezi to intervene.
He convened a meeting to restore peace in the area after public outcry.
During the meeting held at Nyabugando Church of Uganda in Bwambara, the minister assured the residents that the project must be revived such that residents benefit and develop themselves through farming.
After having a high-level meeting with the water and environment state minister, Muhwezi said they had agreed that there should be a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and beneficiaries who will care and look after the multi-million project so that it can be handled well.
Muhwezi warned residents against illegal sand mining in Rushaya River in a bid to keep environmental degradation at bay and prevent damage to infrastructure as these cause riverbanks to collapse, increase flooding risks, and damage critical bridges.
Rukungiri resident district commissioner Bron Kikanshemeza (pictured below on the right greeting the minister) told residents of Bwambara that he will not close an eye to culprits involved in sand mining along the river, saying it was the major reason the irrigation scheme had failed to operate.
