Rukungiri Municipality is abuzz with excitement as Andrew Ankunda Kikira, a hopeful member of Parliament, picks up his nomination forms from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) headquarters on Kyadondo Road. This significant step marks the beginning of his campaign as he aims to address pressing issues within the municipality, including youth unemployment, value addition, education, health, and infrastructure development.
The nomination process began on Monday, June 2nd, and will run until June 15th, providing candidates a platform to present their vision for the future of Rukungiri. Ankunda, a passionate advocate for change, shared his manifesto with our reporter, outlining his commitment to improve the lives of the residents.
Tackling Youth Unemployment
One of the key pillars of Ankunda’s campaign is tackling youth unemployment. Rukungiri, like many other regions in Uganda, faces a growing challenge as young people struggle to find meaningful work. Ankunda believes that by creating job opportunities and empowering the youth through vocational training, the municipality can harness its potential.
“I envision a Rukungiri where every young person has access to skills training and employment opportunities,” Ankunda stated. “We need to invest in programs that equip our youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.”
Value Addition of Local Goods
Another significant aspect of Ankunda’s manifesto is the value addition of local goods. He acknowledges that Rukungiri is rich in agricultural resources, yet many farmers struggle to access markets and get fair prices for their produce. By promoting value addition, Ankunda aims to help farmers process their goods, which can significantly increase their income and improve the local economy.
“We have the resources; we just need to find ways to enhance their value,” he explained. “By establishing processing facilities and cooperatives, we can ensure that our farmers benefit fully from their hard work.”
Education and Health Initiatives
Education and health are vital areas that Ankunda is keen to address. He emphasizes the importance of quality education as a foundation for a prosperous future. His plan includes improving infrastructure in schools, providing more learning materials, and ensuring that teachers are well-trained and motivated.
In terms of health, Ankunda aims to increase access to healthcare services by improving existing facilities and ensuring that they are well-equipped to serve the community. “Health is wealth, and we cannot have a productive society if our people are unwell,” he asserted.
Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of Ankunda’s vision. He recognizes that good roads, reliable electricity, and clean water are essential for economic growth and improving the quality of life in Rukungiri. Ankunda plans to work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure projects that will benefit the community.
As Andrew Ankunda Kikira embarks on his campaign journey, his commitment to addressing youth unemployment, promoting value addition, and improving education, health, and infrastructure stands out as a beacon of hope for the people of Rukungiri Municipality. With the nomination period underway, citizens are eager to see how his vision will translate into actionable plans, promising a brighter future for their community.
