In a meeting held on October 20, 2021, local government leaders in Bukonzo West constituency, Kasese district, gathered to address security issues that have been compromising the safety of the area. The meeting, organized as a sensitization workshop at Bwera Primary Teachers College in Mpondwe Lhubiriha town council, saw the participation of leaders from eight sub-counties under the umbrella organization G8, which includes Chairperson LC3s of the lower local governments, LC1s, sub-county chiefs, town clerks, and district security teams. Godfrey Kabbyanga, the state minister for ICT and national guidance, attended as the chief guest.
G8, signifying the eight joint sub-counties and town councils in the Rwenzori region, faces various challenges affecting security. According to Gregory Bukombi Makotsa, the current coordinator of G8 and Chairperson LC3 of Bwera Sub-County, these challenges encompass a lack of military training for leaders and the state of impassable roads, among other concerns. He emphasized the need for equipping leaders with the knowledge and tactics to respond to security threats, given that most leaders have not undergone military training. Additionally, the deteriorating road network due to heavy rains further compromises security in the area, as it limits accessibility and allows rebels to exploit remote locations.
Peter Sunday Kakule, Chairperson of G8, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the necessity of boosting telecommunication networks in certain sub-counties within Bukonzo West constituency to enhance security.
Kakule pointed out the increasing threat posed by ADF rebels to local leaders, making military orientation a priority for them. He stressed the importance of allocating a significant portion of the budget to security concerns to address these challenges.
Eliphazi Muhindi, the Kasese district LC5 chairperson, raised concerns about environmental challenges, particularly flooding during heavy rains. He urged residents to refrain from activities that obstruct drainage systems and called for additional road maintenance equipment to cope with the district’s large area.
Godfrey Kabbyanga, the state minister for ICT and national guidance, urged LC1 and LC3 Chairpersons to not only claim responsibility for security but also to take concrete actions. In a time when ADF rebels continue to infiltrate communities and cause havoc, he emphasized the importance of vigilance within the community and directed sub-county chiefs and town clerks to allocate funds for security in their budgets. Kabbyanga also pledged to work diligently to address network challenges, given his ministry’s concern in such matters.
