Summary:
- Minister Musasizi cautioned against taking the current peace for granted, urging Opposition leaders to support government initiatives aimed at improving Ugandans’ socio-economic well-being
RUKIGA: State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi has condemned the Opposition for prioritizing politics over addressing the economic struggles faced by their supporters.
Hon. Musasizi, also serving as Rubanda East MP, voiced his concerns during the Sendoff Ceremony of the late Dr. Pius Ruhemurana, former Mayor of Kabale Municipality, held at Kitanga Catholic Parish in Rukiga District. Dr. Ruhemurana passed away on Wednesday at Rugarama Hospital.
Acknowledging Dr. Ruhemurana’s affiliation with the FDC, Musasizi praised his collaborative efforts with the NRM Government during his tenure as Mayor. He criticized the Opposition leaders for their political engagements rather than focusing on delivering services to the people.
“Dr. Ruhemurana was a strong member of the FDC, but during his time as Mayor, he worked with the NRM Government to avail services for the people of Kabale Municipality instead of spending time in Politics, opposing everything” Musasizi said.
The Minister’s remarks came in response to speeches from FDC leaders, including Francis Mwijukye, Dr. Nicholas Kamara, and Proscovia Salam Musumba, highlighting Dr. Ruhemurana’s advocacy for peace and justice.
Former FDC President Dr. Kiiza Besigye, in a speech read by Salam Musumba, emphasized Dr. Ruhemurana’s persistent efforts for governmental change over two decades. Meanwhile, Hon. Mwijukye commended Ruhemurana for his unwavering commitment until his passing.
“You see I have a friend who once told me that this some of these things are like the Oxygen we breathe. We don’t see the oxygen, but it’s the only reason why we are alive. Same way, some of you don’t see the peace brought by the NRM Government, but if someone came and took it away, that’s when you would wake up to the reality” He said.
However, Minister Musasizi cautioned against taking the current peace for granted, urging Opposition leaders to support government initiatives aimed at improving Ugandans’ socio-economic well-being. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the people, echoing Dr. Ruhemurana’s perspective on political leadership.
“We belong to different political sides but there’s one thing that should always bring us together, and that is the welfare of our people. It is how the late Ruhemurana viewed Political leadership,” he said.
Minister Musasizi highlighted several development projects initiated during Dr. Ruhemurana’s mayoral term, including the ongoing USMID road constructions in Kabale Municipality.
“We started planning to work on these roads during his time as Mayor, Musasizi said.
Dr. Ruhemurana, aged 76, succumbed to complications arising from diabetes, hypertension, and stroke, according to his daughter Joseline Ruhemurana. He is survived by his daughter, Joseline, following the passing of his wife three years prior.
Dr. Ruhemurana was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kashumuruzo Village, Kitanga Parish, Kashambya Subcounty, Rukiga District, in a ceremony held yesterday.
