Rubanda District Local Government officials have called for improved accountability, coordination and timely implementation of development projects funded under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revenue-sharing programme in Nshanjare Town Council.
The call was made on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during a monitoring exercise aimed at assessing the progress of projects, identifying implementation challenges and ensuring that communities benefit from funds allocated to support local development.
The exercise, held at Nshanjare Town Council offices, brought together Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Ritah Byiringiro, District Engineer John Habimana, Town Clerk Reuben Tumwesigye, District Natural Resources Officer Jane Amumpaire, area councillor Amos Byaruhanga and other stakeholders.
The team assessed four infrastructure projects at different stages of implementation, with findings pointing to delays in some works due to procurement challenges and a shortage of road construction equipment.
According to Habimana, the construction of a one-classroom block at Ihunga Senior Secondary School, valued at Shs12.49 million, had not started by the time of the monitoring exercise.
The six-kilometre Rushoroza–Ryamihanda Road project, allocated Shs69.46 million, had been opened, but grading works were yet to commence.
On the two-kilometre Nshanjare–Kagogo Road project, worth Shs10.92 million, culverts had been installed and grading was ongoing. However, the absence of a grader had slowed progress and delayed completion.
The three-kilometre Nshanjare–Mashoho Road project, allocated Shs12.5 million, had also registered progress, with culverts installed at various points along the road.
During the exercise, Byaruhanga called for improvements to the Nshanjare–Ryamihanda–Rushaga road, which connects Rubanda District to Kisoro District.
He said improving the road would ease the movement of people and goods, improve access to essential services and strengthen economic ties between communities in the two districts.
The road would also support tourism development by improving connectivity to attractions in the area.
Byiringiro emphasised the importance of environmental conservation, noting that Rubanda’s natural resources and scenic landscape provide opportunities for tourism and local economic development.
She urged communities, political leaders and technical officers to promote the responsible use of natural resources, particularly wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.
Byiringiro said the district’s proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a habitat for mountain gorillas, presented opportunities for tourism growth and revenue generation.
However, she noted that conservation efforts should also take into account the welfare of communities living near the park, some of whom have suffered losses, including crop destruction and loss of lives, due to human-wildlife conflict.
She called on local leaders and community representatives to actively monitor projects funded through UWA revenue-sharing funds to ensure that the money benefits the intended communities.
The monitoring team also reviewed the utilisation of Shs104.92 million allocated to Nshanjare Town Council under the UWA revenue-sharing programme for the 2023/2024 financial year.
Amumpaire said it had been agreed that the funds would be directed towards capital projects.
The discussions highlighted the need for transparent project selection, proper planning, effective implementation and continuous monitoring to ensure value for money.
Stakeholders also called for greater community participation in identifying development priorities and monitoring projects to ensure that public resources address local needs.
The meeting also discussed local revenue mobilisation and royalties from mining activities, with town council leaders expressing concern that Nshanjare had not received royalties from mining operations within its jurisdiction.
Stakeholders called on mining companies to take responsibility for addressing road access challenges associated with their operations.
They also urged the district to support the town council in identifying additional revenue sources and strengthening local revenue collection to improve its capacity to deliver services.
Amumpaire said the district was undertaking a mapping exercise to identify investors operating within its jurisdiction, a move intended to improve the tracking and remittance of royalties.
