Minister to locals: 'Stop begging politicians for money'

KIBOGA - Government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa has told the people of Kiboga district to refrain from "begging" their local leaders for money, saying "you will tempt them into corruption".

She said the locals should instead let the politicians do their work to "serve us well".

"They are human like you. Some have been operating small businesses like you before being elected into office.

"Others have just left school and they do not have money to give you," said Nankabirwa.

She made these comments while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of elected local leaders in the central Ugandan district.

At the function held at Kiboga Ssaza grounds, Kiboga district LC5 chairperson, Israel Yiga, was sworn in for a second term of office.

He picked the LC5 councilor for Muwanga sub-county, Noah Kibwami, as his deputy and Julius Gayana from Kapeke as secretary for health and gender.

Latiffah Mutyaba is the new district secretary for finance, planning and administration while Allen Kayesu takes charge of the production department.

Kiboga district LC5 chairperson Israel Yiga was sworn in for the second term. (Credit: Nelson Kiva)

Chief guest Nankabirwa said locals put their leaders on pressure for money which leaves some of them bankrupt.

Due to such monetary expectations, even members of parliament are always in her office to plead with the president for bailout, she revealed, adding that it in turn undermines service delivery.

"But let us pray that the sh1trillion we have put into the budget for Operation Wealth Creation is utilized well so that people can have sources of money for their needs other than begging time and again."

Meanwhile, Nankabirwa asked the district production department to give leaders priority while distributing items of the Operation Wealth Creation to have them empowered to lead others.

She also asked Kiboga district council led by its new speaker, Medison Agaba, to perform its duties within the parameters of the law to save the district from losses that may arise out of legislation mistakes.

On his part, district LC5 chairperson Yiga said his leadership is to focus on increasing household incomes in the coming five years.

"We shall make roads accessible to encourage people in our villages including the youth into farming for food and commercial motives."

Yiga said that he was going to be strict on monitoring and supervision of government programmes with the help of civil servants such as sub-county chiefs and community development officers.

Kiboga town council LC3 chairperson Hajji Suleiman Ssekiwunga, John Sserugo from Bukomero town council, Anthony Kibuuka, Lwamata, Kosia Ruguna, Kapeke, Aeron Mugyenyi, Ddwaniro, Moses Katamba, Muwanga and Simon Ssenteza Kajubi from Kibiga sub-county were also sworn together with their executives.