Coordinators of a controversial poverty alleviation programme linked to a senior Ugandan presidential adviser have voiced concern after the government suspended its activities in southwestern Uganda, saying the move has dampened the morale of thousands of prospective beneficiaries.
The government on Saturday halted the registration of members for the ‘Boona Bagigahare Nyekundire’ programme, which had been operating across 12 districts in southwestern Uganda under the leadership of Senior Presidential Adviser on Agriculture and Local People, Peace Rugambwa.
The suspension followed formal complaints from the Catholic community in Kabale Diocese, prompting a closed-door reconciliation meeting involving Rugambwa, church leaders led by Kabale Diocese Vicar General John Vianney Sunday, security officials headed by Kabale Resident District Commissioner, retired Major Godfrey Katamba, and ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders.
The decision was communicated by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa.
On Monday, district coordinators meeting in Kabale town appealed to the government to lift the suspension after the January 15 General Election, arguing that the programme had raised expectations among rural communities struggling with poverty.
‘It’s with deep pain that the program which was intended to help the local people get out of poverty was suspended and yet it was their hope for the bright future. We had mobilized many people, and they were ready to embrace it. We appeal to the government to lift the suspension because it a good program which the whole country can take up in fighting poverty at village level,’ said Centenary Bamwiine, a coordinator from Rwampara District.
Other coordinators present included Asiimwe Mwamba from Ntungamo and Alex Matata from Kisoro.
Rugambwa dismissed what she described as false rumours that she had been removed from her advisory role and urged programme coordinators to remain loyal to President Museveni and the ruling party.
‘It’s not true that I was dropped from the position of being a senior presidential advisor on Agriculture and the local people. When President Museveni saw the letter accusing me of registering people, he called me and said that he had sent the Tayebwa that we reconcile with the accusers and that is what was done,’ she said.
She called on coordinators to continue political mobilisation despite the suspension.
‘I want to appeal to our team members in the 12 districts of South Western Uganda that although the registration exercise has been halted, they must continue with mobilization to ensure that president Museveni and all the NRM party flag bearers win the election with 100 percent in the name of Jesus Christ,’ Rugambwa added.
Uganda heads to the polls on January 15, with southwestern Uganda regarded as a key support base for the ruling party.