Prime Minister Dr David Livingstone Ruhakana Rugunda has said intrigue among leaders coupled with tribal and religious sentiments have hindered Kigezi region’s development.
Dr Rugunda said made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking at the international community of the Banyakigezi enumical prayers and the opening of the Banyakigezi Convention at Kabale Stadium.
The prayers were led by Kigezi Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. George Bagamuhunda and Kabale Diocese vicar General Msgr. Silverio Twinomugisha.
Dr Rugunda urged people of Kigezi to put aside politics and begin working for development saying time for elections is over and “it’s now time to work for the people of Uganda.”
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He cited that he neither supported Andrew Baryayanga, the Kabale municipality MP nor Sentaro Byamugisha, the mayor as they were not from his party (NRM) but since they won the poll, he is now working with them.
“We need not to keep political grudges after elections. We have to put that aside and work together. Elections are there to choose leaders but not to create enmity,” said Rugunda.
He urged people of Kigezi to keep united if they are going to cause development in the area advising that the convention should be used for networking.
State Minister for Planning, David Bahati decried the recent scandals especially corruption which involved people from Kigezi.
“It’s so embarrassing some times when we hear that a Munyakigezi is implicated in corruption scandals while people of Kigezi are known to be hardworking and truthful. There is need for the people to renew themselves,” said Bahati.
Dr. Rugunda addressing attendees at the convention
The convention brings together people from Kigezi region districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Rubanda, Kanungu and Rukungiri that live in the country as well as in the Diaspora.
Opened on 27th December 2016 the convention will end on Friday 30th December 2016 and president Museveni is expected to grace the occasion.
The function was graced by Brig. General Timothy Sabiti Mutebile the UPDF engendering brigade commander, Dr Muniini Mulera the ICOB President Andrew Baryayanga Aja the Kabale municipality MP, Rose Kabagyenyi the Kisoro woman MP, Kenneth Jogo Biryabarema the Rubanda LC5 boss , Sentaro Byamugisha the mayor Kabale municipality, among others.
Dr. Rugunda addressing attendees at the convention
Different products were also being showcased during the convention