Alice Kaboyo, the Minister of State for Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle in the Office of the Prime Minister, has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Rwenzori sub-region to unite and actively engage in key development initiatives aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of the area.

In a meeting Kaboyo organized, she focused on the ministry’s progress in rehabilitating regions affected by the NRA-led liberation struggle and the ADF insurgency.

“Unite and actively engage in key development initiatives aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of the area,” Kaboyo said.

Kaboyo emphasized the importance of collaboration among MPs to implement the directives laid out by President Museveni in September 2022, which include mobilizing communities, monitoring government programs, and devising an economic plan for the sub-region.

“It is important to collaborate as MPs in order to implement the directives led out by the president in 2022, which include monitoring government programs,” she added.

Kaboyo further highlighted the significant challenges, including a drastic reduction in the ministry’s budget—from UGX 46.199 billion in FY 2020/21 to UGX 7.161 billion for FY 2024/25.

She pointed out issues such as a poor mindset among beneficiaries and inadequate political oversight as barriers to effective service delivery.

The MPs expressed their concerns over the limited funding allocated to the Rwenzori sub-region, which comprises 43 districts and seven municipalities.

Moses Acrobat Kiiza, the MP for Bughendera constituency, stressed the need for a united front to advocate for increased budget allocations during the upcoming financial year.

“A meeting with the president to address critical issues affecting the region, including compensation for ADF war victims should be organized,” Kiiza said.

Margaret Muhanga Mugisa, the MP for Fort Portal North Division, highlighted the plight of victims from the Kichawamba massacre.

Peace Mutuuzo, the Bunyangabu County MP and Minister of State for Gender and Culture, called for prioritization of road construction funding to enhance market access and bolster economic and tourism potential.

The Kabarole District Woman MP, Victoria Rusoke Busingye, urged that area MPs should be included in the planning and implementation of government programs to improve mobilization and monitoring efforts.

She also raised the issue of over 6,000 veterans in Bunyangabu seeking to erect a monument in honor of their service.

Tom Bright, MP for Kyaaka Central, proposed that the ministry request the Office of the President to hold one of the Heroes Day celebrations in the Rwenzori region. He further emphasized the need for recognition and support.

In response to the MPs’ concerns, Minister Kaboyo committed to addressing several issues, including the status of roads in the sub-region, compensation for ADF war victims, and the construction of low-cost housing for civilian veterans.

She also pledged to support local communities with agricultural resources, including 1,000 hoes for distribution to veterans across the districts.

The meeting marked a crucial step towards fostering collaboration between government officials and local leaders, with the hope of driving meaningful change in the Rwenzori sub-region.