RUKUNGIRI- Uganda’s Security Minister Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu has rallied hailed the Ugandan Police for integrating the Civilian population in their poverty alleviation program, in line with the National Resistance Movement’s Development plan.
Minister Muhwezi who is also the Rujumbura County Member of Parliament made this revelation on Sunday November 17th 2024 during the official launch of Rukungiri Police station Development Association in a function held at Rukungiri Inn Hotel in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
The Minister who expressed gratitude to the initiators of this association rooted for more savings and shareholding on top of focusing at developing emphasizing that through such associations, the future of Uganda’s Social economic welfare is bright.
Citing an example of Army’s Wazalendo Sacco that currently has a financial apparatus of not less than a trillion, Minister Muhwezi stressed that this association can as well grow as longer as the leadership cooperates with members and the government.
He called for transparency, trustworthiness and cooperation as the best tools of having their association take a positive stride.
Cue in…………….Muhwezi on association
Minister Muhwezi contributed 5 million shillings to the association.
Joseph Mukasa Karuhanga, the Rukungiri Police station Development Association Chairperson hailed his predecessors for the work well done in ensuring the sustainability and continuation of the association spanning 25 year ago, from 1999 when it was initiated.
With over 350 currently, Karuhanga narrated that it was started by a group of Police wives who were saving 1,000 weekly adding that it’s growing bigger every day after they allowed friends of the Police and the business community to join.
“Integrating the civilians into this association has also helped them in Community policing and bridging the gap between Police and the community. This is essential in our day to day running of our Peace and Security role” said Karuhanga.
The Chairman highlighted that despite this growth, they still need support need to metamorphose into a Sacco to develop all, Purchase land for an office, reduce on the lending interest rate and investment in other income generating programs but all is being hampered by limited finances.
“We are looking at investing in Projects like goat rearing to create more income generation for all members and it’s my appeal on behalf of the members that through you, we invite President Museveni Kaguta for support in our continued effort to liberate the community economically and officiate at our mega Silver Jubilee celebrations” added Karuhanga.
The Rukungiri District Police Commander SSP Apollo Kyangungu expressed gratitude for the improved image of the Police stressing that in the past, the public never wanted to get closer to the officers.
Kyangungu pointed out that integrating the Civilians into this Association has been key in fighting crime and community Policing since they are the sources of information.
Cue in………….Kyangungu on community
Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner Nsubuga Stephen Bewayo was grateful for the minds behind this initiative stressed that the saving culture isn’t all about having alot of money but bearing a vision and working towards its achievement.
Bewayo urged the Rukungiri Police station Development Association leaders to look far ahead hailing the Rukungiri District Police team for setting an example of excellent service delivery in executing their duties.
Cue in…………Bewayo on vision
The Rukungiri Municipality aspiring Member of Parliament Counsel Isaac Atukunda hailed the Police arrangement that will keep them together with the community they serve even when they are transferred to work in other places.
Represented by Hon Fred Mucunguzi who represents Eastern Division in the Rukungiri District Council, Atukunda expressed gratitude to the Police for this arrangement stressing a well empowered community will cease their engagement in criminal activities thus easing the officers’ work. He contributed Ugx 500,000 to the association.
Cue in………….Atukunda on vision
