Summary:
- Disagreements flared when Rugambwa, in her presentation, requested direct cooperation to deliver benefits to Boona Bageigahare beneficiaries without district interference.
RUKUNGIRI: Peace Rugambwa, the driving force behind the ‘Boona Bageigahare Nyekundeire Group,’ an initiative endorsed by President Museveni to boost onion farming in the Kigezi and Ankole regions, boycotted a reconciliation meeting convened by Security Minister Gen. Jim Muhwezi on Thursday.
The meeting, held Thursday afternoon at the Rukungiri district headquarters, aimed to implement President Museveni’s directives following a previous meeting at State House Entebbe on March 12, 2024, which addressed issues involving Rugambwa and her organization.
During the State House meeting, which extended from 5 PM to 9 PM, allegations surfaced that Rugambwa was collecting 12,000 Ugandan shillings from each beneficiary as a membership fee.
Minister Jim Muhwezi outlined five guidelines from President Museveni, including refunding the fees, investigating onion growing in the Rukungiri district, and advising Rugambwa to collaborate indirectly with district leaders while focusing on the core project.
Disagreements flared when Rugambwa, in her presentation, requested direct cooperation to deliver benefits to Boona Bageigahare beneficiaries without district interference.
Rugambwa claimed President Museveni assured her personal reimbursement, causing further discord among attendees, including Minister Jim Muhwezi, Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa (MP for Rukungiri municipality), the Rukungiri RDC, and the LCV Chairperson.
CUE IN RUGAMBWA…..ON MONEY….RR//
Despite Rugambwa leaving the meeting, members made three resolutions: refunding the 12,000 UGX to organization beneficiaries as directed by President Museveni, establishing a joint committee to oversee refunds, and urging the President to honor promises made to registered beneficiaries despite the fee refund.
CUE IN MINISTER JIM…..ON RESOLUTIONS…..RR//
