The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Luweero, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The outgoing Luweero Chief Administrative Officer, Godfrey Kuruhiira has advised residents to drop the mentality of riding on their contribution to the National Resistance Army-NRA war, saying it is a big hindrance to development in the area.
Luweero district is a beneficiary of huge sums of money in special programs such as Luweero-Rwenzori Development Program, Luweero-Rwenzori Triangle, Revolving Fund, compensation packages and donations from President Yoweri Museveni because of its contribution to his bush war.
The area also has a Ministry in Charge of its Affairs. The district budget has grown to Shillings 54.1 billion this financial year from Shillings 30 billion five years ago. Despite the affirmative action, the district is stunted with a large section of residents crying of abject poverty.
Godfrey Kuruhiira, the outgoing Luweero Chief Administrative Officer, says despite the fact that the revenue of the district grew tremendously during his tenure, residents remain in abject poverty because of riding on their contribution to the five year NRA War.
Kuruhiira explains that the district has extended piped to villages, constructed roads, schools, health centers and encouraged people to embrace government.
He however, says despite these developments; many residents have a sense of entitlement that government must give them everything because of their contribution to the war.
Kuruhiira explains that even youths who were born after the NRA War prefer riding on the contribution by their grandfathers and spend time looking for donations rather than work for themselves.
Kuruhiira revealed this on Tuesday as he was handing over office to his successor, Elizabeth Namanda following his transfer to Wakiso district. Namanda was transferred from Kamuli to Luweero district.
Zenar Nasur, the Luweero District Education Secretary concurs with Kuruhiira’s observation, saying most of the project implemented by government and the President have largely benefited the leaders and left out residents.
Ronald Ndawula, the Luweero LC V Chairperson, says because of the poor mindset many people have been reduced to beggars when the president visits the area yet they own big chunks of land, which can generate income. He says they can’t initiate big projects in the district because most people believe the president must contribute in appreciation for their support for the war that brought him into power.
Ndawula cites the district headquarters, which operates in classroom like buildings for the past 20years as area leaders and residents wait for Museveni to contribute towards the construction works. He lauded Kuruhiira for helping his leadership to kick start the construction of their district headquarters using local revenue and urged his successor to spearhead its completion.
The LC V chairperson tasked fellow leaders to sensitise residents to move on and work for themselves rather than wait for donations from government. During each election cycles, people in Luweero reignite their demands for compensation. Although many have been compensated over the years, more than 10,000 veterans and orphans who lost their parents in the war are still pushing for compensations 35 years after.
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