Rukungiri Municipality has officially inaugurated its Municipal Development Forum (MDF), a dynamic multi-sectoral platform aimed at improving service delivery, upgrading infrastructure and fostering inclusive urban development.
The newly established forum brings together representatives from diverse community sectors, such as boda boda riders, business owners, media, financial institutions, women’s groups, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
These stakeholders elected a seven-member executive committee comprising a president, vice president, treasurer, and other officials to spearhead the forum’s activities.
Speaking at the launch, Rukungiri Municipal Town Clerk, Robert Niwamanya, described the formation of the MDF as a major milestone. He emphasized that the forum will serve as a bridge between the citizens and the municipal council, ensuring community voices play a central role in development planning and decision-making.
“Our municipality faces challenges like poor infrastructure, inadequate garbage management, low revenue collection, environmental degradation, and limited urban greening,” Niwamanya said. “We are optimistic that the forum will generate actionable solutions by working hand-in-hand with municipal authorities.”
Steven Bogere, a senior sociologist and National Coordinator from the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, applauded Rukungiri’s commitment to participatory governance.
He noted that development forums are part of a national strategy to strengthen citizen engagement in urban planning and service delivery.
“These voluntary multi-stakeholder platforms empower communities to actively collaborate with local governments,” Bogere said. “Urbanization should not be left to politicians and technocrats alone. When citizens are involved in decision-making, development becomes more sustainable and people-centered.”
He revealed that Rukungiri joins over 45 urban centers across Uganda that have embraced the MDF model. He also referenced the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program, which has transformed urban areas over the last decade.
Its successor, the Uganda Citizen Municipal Infrastructure Development (UCMID) project, will further support municipalities like Rukungiri by funding key infrastructure including roads, markets, drainage systems, and slaughter slabs.
The forum’s elected president, Alfred Rwobusheru, a former Chief Finance Officer of Rukungiri District expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to lead this transformative initiative.
“This forum is a timely platform to coordinate efforts between councilors, technical staff, and the public,” Rwobusheru stated. “Together, we can improve accountability, enhance infrastructure, and expand access to essential services for all residents of Rukungiri.”
With the establishment of the MDF, Rukungiri Municipality takes a significant step toward participatory governance and sustainable urban growth.
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