Summary:
Muslims, especially those at Ruruku Mosque, say political leaders have ignored the four fundraising events they have held to refurbish and renovate Rukuru Muslim Primary School in Karangaro Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
RUKUNGIRI: Muslims in Rukungiri District are protesting being sidelined by political leaders who fail to support their initiatives, despite their involvement in political activities during election periods. They accuse political leaders of neglecting their fundraising efforts, which are organized to raise funds for community projects.
Muslims, especially those at Ruruku Mosque, say political leaders have ignored the four fundraising events they have held to refurbish and renovate Rukuru Muslim Primary School in Karangaro Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality. They argue that political leaders often abandon their functions to support Christian churches, particularly Anglican and Catholic institutions.
Once a thriving school offering classes up to Primary Six, Rukuru Muslim Primary School now operates only Primary One and Two, with an enrollment of 60 learners, due to a lack of funding for teacher salaries and essential resources. The school, which is private and nonprofit, depends entirely on community support for survival.
Adam Bwisho, the secretary to the Imam at Ruruku Mosque and a resident of Kibare Cell, Karangaro Ward, says they have invited Rukungiri Municipality MP Hon. Dr. Elisa Rutahirwa as a guest of honor at four separate occasions, and also reached out to Woman MP Medius Kaharata, but neither attended.
He expressed disappointment that, despite their efforts, the school’s progress has only been possible through the limited resources of the Muslim community, without any meaningful support from political leaders. Bwisho pointed out that while leaders continue to make significant donations to Christian churches, including cement, iron sheets, and cash contributions, the mosque remains ignored.
CUE IN BWISHO……ON POLITICAL LEADERS……RR//
County Sheikh Badulu Byabagambi, chairperson of the mosque, accused political leaders of only engaging with the Muslim community during campaigns, only to abandon them afterward. He lamented that parents are now hesitant to enroll their children in the school because of its poor condition.
CUE IN BYABAGAMBI……ON THE ISSUE……RR//
