Author: Communications Officer WebAdmin

Authorities in Kagadi district have mounted an operation to restore the degraded natural resources in the district.

The operation that started with evaluation of the rate of degradation found out that over 30 hectares of Rwabituju swamp was degraded beyond recognition.

Kagadi District Forest and Environmental Conservation task force in conjunction with the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) has embarked on a campaign to evict encroachers from Rwabituju Wetland that is under the threat of depletion.

Rwabituju wetland is surrounded by the four villages of Nyankubebe A & B, Katikara and Kisaara B in Nyamasa Parish, Bwikara Sub county.

According to the Survey, the community members have encroached on the wetland and cultivated crops like onions, Sugarcanes, Beans and cabbages.

Approximately 25 acres of Rwabituju wetland has been depleted.

Village Chairperson of Katikara and Nyankubebe B where the swamp passes say they tried to engage the residents but they instead took it personal and hatred emerged

We reported and got tired. People even said that I am a bad person just because I am a retired soldier. This swamp was very big stretching from one village to the other but as you see it is now covered with sugarcanes.” Abasi Katusabe, Chairman LCI Nyankubebe B told this website

 “I have told people in Katikara to vacate the wetland but they refused and continued to dig. I even gave their names to the RDC and she would read them over the radio everyday but they never heeded to her warnings. Now that you have come, please save us.”  Zabron Businge, Chairman LCI Katikara added

The Kagadi RDC Lillian Ruteraho said her team will collaborate with the local council one chairperson for the villages neighboring the swamp to get the names of the encroachers so that they are apprehended and charged.

Relatedly, Benjamin Tumusiime the Kagadi deputy Resident District commissioner revealed that 70% of the wetlands in the district have been depleted, also calling for the support of the leaders at all levels to restore the depleted wetlands.

Benjamin said in the next 2 to 3 years to come, they want to see the depletion below 40%.

Meanwhile, the Kagadi District Senior Environment Officer Gerald Byoona said the cases of encroachment on Rwabituju wetland and other swamps in the district have increased especially after Covid-19 induced lockdown.

He said that any person wishing to carry out any activity in the wetland, should write to NEMA for environmental impact assessment for clearance.

Some of the local council one chairpersons said they have always sensitized the residents to stop encroaching on the wetlands but the perpetrators have kept a deaf ear.

About 70% of the wetlands in Kagadi district were encroached on and destroyed after population increased and people lacked land for expansion thus opting for wetlands.

Kagadi district alone hosts three Hydro power stations of Muzizi HydroPower dam of 48MW being developed by UEGCL on R. Muziizi, Timex Bukinda small hydro power station of 6.5MW and Kigwabya mini power station on R. Nkuse thus the need for protection of all wetland and rivers in the district to safeguard all these developments.

Kagadi

Kagadi District has witnessed significant change in leadership as the District Male youth councilor Ssemuga Vincent assumes the role of the Vice District Chairperson filling the vacancy left by Peter Sebugwaho 3 month ago.

The decision was made during a district council setting held at Kagadi community hall in Kagadi town council presided over by the District speaker Magezi Muwonge.

The motion to nominate newe members was tabled by Ndibwami B Yosia the Kagadi District Chairperson. Ndibami Put forward the nominations appointing Ssemuaga Vincent as the Vice District Chairperson, Magezi Jamada for secretary for  planning, administration works, and production , Peter Ziraba for Secretary for Health and Education and Evelyn Buhenzire secretary for community based services, security and natural resources .

Upon approval by council the newly appointed members to oath pledging to serve the people of Kagadi diligently without compromise.

In the same development the District chairperson Ndibwami B Yosia appointed Benard Mumbere as a new member of the District Service Commission replacing Rev Gard who resigned due to other important engagements.  

Kagadi

In a significant development, the leadership of Kagadi District Local Government has officially inaugurated the commencement of construction works under the Education department with the launch for the rehabilitation at Kagadi Model Primary School.

The project contracted by Karukama Enterprise at a cost of 160 million includes the renovation of six classrooms, staff room, and the main hall block aiming at improving the school’s infrastructure for better standards of Education in Kagadi District.

Meanwhile, officials also launched the rehabilitation works of a four class room block at Rubona P/S in Ruteete S/County at a tune of Ugx 82m contracted by SASARI CONTRACTORS a two classroom block and a store house at Nguse Primary school in Nyampindu cell, Paachwa Town Council.

at a cost of (Ugx 104,586,000) was contracted by CRAT SURPRISE & LOGISTICS Co Ltd.

The launching ceremony presided over by the Kagadi RDC Lillian Ruteraho who surged the contractors to prioritize quality work in accordance with the provided BoQs, emphasizing the need for transparency to ensure taxpayers get value for their money.

Lillian further urged parents to embrace child education in order to eradicate poverty among communities

The Chief Administrative officer Kagadi Epodoi Pauline Opio tasked the contractors to follow implementation schedule in order to complete in time

Ndibwami B Yosia the District Chairperson Kagadi, emphasized need for monitoring and supervision of the project to ensure high-quality outcomes.

He challenged Kagadi Model Primary School administration to uphold excellent academic performance as improvements to the learning environment are underway.

Expressing gratitude, the LCIII chairperson Kagadi Geoffrey Businge, and Mayor for Paachwa town council Justus Businge together with school headteachers have thanked the top district administration for securing rehabilitation funds from the central government and optimistic that once completed, the school enrollment will increase.

Kagadi

A total of 1347 youth from Kagadi District graduated in vocational skills after completing a three months training with URDT-Institute in Partnership with MasterCard Foundation

The second graduation ceremony function was held at Kagadi District headquarters in Kagadi town council Kagadi District.

Graduates were trained in fields of Agriculture, construction and Tourism.

The graduation ceremony that attracted thousands of people began with Matching led by a brass band in Kagadi town.

Speaking as the guest of honor, Chief Administrative officer Kagadi Epodoi Pauline Opio applauded URDT management and Master Card foundation for the vocational skills initiative to the youth and urged graduates to get involved in government programs like Parish Development model.

The certificates were conferred to graduands by the District education officer Kagadi Bukenya Bartholomew after URDT-Institute Academic registrar Resty Kyasimire presented the successful grandaunts in their respective innovations.         

During the same function the best performing graduates of URDT-Institute from each of the three areas of agriculture, construction and tourism were given an award of shs 500,000 to boost their occupation.

The Epicenter manager Kagadi District, Madam Nankanja Rhoda said a total of 3892 youth have been trained in Kagadi District in vocational skills with 2068 females and 1924 males.

Engulfed with joy, Graduates thanked URDT & its Partners for identifying and bringing them on board as great beneficiaries.

In the Year 2020, URDT in Partnership with Master Card Foundation embarked on implementing a project dubbed ‘’Youth Holistic Skilling for dignified work’’ with an aim of availing Vocational training Skills to the youth between 18-35years.

Kagadi

Grace Atwonjire the Principal legal officer in the Directorate of ethics and integrity office of the president has urged stakeholders to champion the fight against corruption in Kagadi District.

The call was made during a sensitization meeting with the stakeholders held at Kagadi community hall in Kagadi Town Council Kagadi district.

The Directorate for Ethics and integrity , office of the president is mandated to coordinate national efforts against corruption and this entails re-building ethics and integrity in the public service and formulating a strong policy and legal framework against corruption.

Grace said corruption can be eliminated through carrying out public awareness campaigns against the vice, reporting corruption cases among others.

She condemned the rampant corruption cases among the district service commissions involving  job selling and noted that government is in process of establishing service commissions at regional level.

She has also asked the public to be vigilant and fight corruption in the Parish Development Modal program through reporting the perpetrators to the authorities for prosecution.

Grace says the Country’s corruption perception index has increased from 27% in 2022 to 35% this year calling for more vigilance to fight the vice.

The sensitization meeting was attended by District leaders, members of the civil society organizations, religious leaders and media.

They discussed strategies to implement to achieve zero tolerance to corruption in the country.

The District Chairperson Ndibwami B Yosia challenged participants to make a collective effort in fighting against the vice and urged the government to facilitate the security personnel who are taking the lead in the corruption fight.

Edward Bisangabasaija the principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Kagadi explained that there are many forms of corruption taking place in the communities and calls for the public to have a positive attitude against corruption.

Reverend Father Mugisa Patrick from St Mary’s Catholic Church has called on the government workers at the forefront of fighting corruption to lead by example if the habit is to be eliminated.

Aligonza wenka Kamihanda, the District councillor representing people with disabilities, commends government agencies for coming up on ground to fight corruption.

The Ministry of water and Environment together with the leadership of Kagadi District Local government has officially commissioned the Shillings 660 Million Kiduuma-Kiryanga Piped Water Project

The official commissioning of the Multimillion Piped Water Project presided over by Mrs. Lillian Ruteraho the RDC for Kagadi District happened in Kiduuma trading Center Kiduuma Parish Kiryanga Sub County Kagadi District.

The projects serves two trading centers of Kiduuma and Kiryanga and  targets serve a population of over 5000 people.

Upon commissioning, the project was handed over to Mid-Western Umbrella of Water and Sanitation for further management and Maintenance on behalf of the government.

Addressing the congregation, Commissioner Ruteraho revealed that the implementation of such a multimillion project in greater Kiryanga is a fulfillment of NRM’s promises to its people of having access to cheap, clean and safe water which is a strong factor in food production, living a health life and attaining sustainable growth and development within their households.

Also speaking at event, Mr. Robert Bukenya the Kagadi District Water Engineer revealed that the construction of this water project started way back in 2014 under greater Kibaale with support from the Ministry of water and Environment with partnership from African development bank at a tune of Uganda shillings 660 Million.

He said the project is supported with solar power and will be benefiting both local people and the neighboring government institutions in the area.

In his remarks, the District Chairperson Ndibwami B Yosia urged Mid-Western Umbrella of Water and Sanitation who are the caretaker of the project to connect the vulnerable groups of people at a relatively subsidized price in order to enable them have access to safe water.

He also asked Mid-Western Umbrella of Water and Sanitation to consider employing local members of the area especially for unprofessional work as one way of giving back to the project hosting community and promoting local content.

Mr. Gilbert Byamugisha the Manager for Umbrella of Water and Sanitation in charge of Mid-Western Uganda revealed that every household will be accessing a jerry can of water at UGX 100 only and that for water taps connection each household will be charged a promotional fee of UGX 100,000 in the first month.

The joyful residents of Kiduuma and Kiryanga Areas led by their local leaders thanked the government the project saying locals say the project will relieve them from drinking contaminated water   

They revealed that the project will improve sanitation levels in the area and also reduce early teenage pregnancies since their young girls would get defiled in the night hours while waiting to fetch water at the long lines at the boreholes and ponds.

Kagadi

Kagadi District works department has kickoff the construction of 13 road projects for Financial year 2023/2024 with the launching of Hamugyi-Rwentale-Kabyaza-Nyamukaikuru 12Kms and Hamugyi-Kabagaiga 3 km community access roads.

The function witnessed by various stakeholders including District Speaker, District Executive Committee members, Area councilors, local leaders and community members was held at Rwentale trading Centre in Burora Sub county and presided over by the Resident District commissioner Kagadi Lillian Ruteraho.

The access roads will connect Kyakabadiima and Burora sub counties.

While speaking to residents the roads which have been in a bad state will help in transportation of agricultural products to market places

According to the work plan and Budget a total of 13 road projects will be worked which include Kihemba –Kuakataba-Kyarwakya-Rukayanga (6.9 KM), Kijagi-Kyebigozi-Kitooro-Mukaswa-Kiduuma A-Kafukya-Kiduuma B (7.9KM, Kyantanwa–Katoma-Nyambuzi Itahiro(13.3KM,  Kigoye-Maisangwe-Kyeganywa Road (3KM), Igayaza-Kyabasara-Kentomi Road(12.4 KM), Kobusera-Wangeyo-Katikengeyo Road(9.5KM), Bwikara-Kyema-Kayanja-Mukatengi Road(18KM), Nyaseke-Kamukole-Nambamunana road(15.1), Lyanda-Wangyeyo-Kasojo Road(15.1KM), Murungu-Kasozi Road, Hamugi-Rwentale- Kabyaza-Nyamukaikuru rocks(12.8KM), Hamugyi-Kabagaiga Road(3KM)

Kagadi

Kagadi District council has approved supplementary budget for production, Education Statutory bodies, water and administration departments worth 7,053,326,742 (Seven billion Fifty-three million, three hundred sixty-seven hundred forty-two).

The motion was tabled by the District Chairperson Ndibwami B Yosia during an extra ordinary council setting held at Kagadi community Hall at the District Headquarters.

According to the budget presented  1,502,097,947/= were funds meant for production department  and that 40,572,330/= was non-wage under production, 63,993,178/= was funds meant for capital development, 319,987,127/= was non-wage extension grant, 15,000,000/= was money for ACDP, 107,923,846/=  was extension capital development, 204,633,986/= was complementary services for micro irrigation , 613,901,960/= was capital development under micro scale irrigation, and 151,085,520/= was funds meant to support PDM

He further informed member that water sector had received 71,310,138/= supplementary budget to drill production well in Mpeefu Ya Sande at 30,810,138/= and protection of 9 spring wells at a cost of Shs 4,500,000 each in areas of Nyamiyaga,Kyomukama,Kyaterekera A,Diida,Kisungu,Mutunda B,Kyabitundu,Butumba B and Kyankorogoto.

The Education department had received 3,583,855,021/= supplementary budget where 2,161,075,668/= was secondary education wage, 80,371,000/= was for secondary education non-wage (capitation grant), 1,316,472,909/= were funds revolted to construct King Solomon and Kitegwa secondary schools, while 25,938,444 /= were funds meant for school inspection and monitoring, he therefore asked members to approve the above supplementary budgets for better service delivery in the district.

Under Administration a total of 1,399,463,634/= meant for the honoraria and ex-gratia of the district councillors , Sub county councillors and ex- gratia for LCI and LCII chairpersons and  pension and gratuity .

After scrutiny Hon Magezi Jamada moved a motion for council to approve the supplementary budget with amendments a motion which was seconded by Hon Gahima Gard and Hon Olive Irumba and the supplementary budget was approved

Kagadi

The Kagadi district Piped Water Project has made 90 Percent progress in connecting residents to the water grid in the four town councils of Kagadi,Muhorro,Kyenzige and Ruteete where the 22.8 Billion shillings water project covers.

The development was unveiled by Eng.Amon Rwakiiza from Mid Western Umbrella of Water and Sanitation during an advocacy meeting with the district stakeholders at Emiline Hotel in Kagadi Town Council Kagadi district.

He explained that before taking over the project the district had only 550 water connections but since the takeover they have added 700 connections that make the total of 1250 connections of piped water in the District.

Eng.Rwakiiza urges people who are not yet connected to the piped water to remain patient, promising that they will soon extend water services to them.

Rwakiiza says residents who paid Ugx 100,000 for water connections during the first phase of promotion period have been given water taps and currently 80% of those beneficiaries have been served.

He says they are committed to supplying water to all the people and also asking interested persons to clear connection fees and get served.