12 board members at Professor Nabudere Memorial Institute take oath
By Weswa Ronnie
SIRONKO: Twelve board members of the Professor Nabudere Memorial Institute in Sironko District, Uganda, took their oath of office today Friday, marking the official start of their duties.
The institute, donated by the President of Uganda in 2023, aims to enhance skills development for youths in Sironko and the broader Bugisu region.
The board members were urged by Fred Katugume, Magistrate Grade I at Sironko Magistrate’s Court, to be trustworthy, law-abiding, and mindful of their roles.
Edward Eko , chief administrative officer Deputy Sironko, highlighted the institution’s current challenges, including having only one government-employed staff member, the principal.
He says despite receiving 600 million Ugandan shillings for staff recruitment in the 2023/2024 financial year, the funds were returned to the national treasury due to recruitment procedures.
Elijah Modoi, the board’s chairperson also doubling as Bududa RDC, outlined the board’s composition, which includes himself, Michael Masa, Joseph Mubiru, and Margaret Masiga, among others.
Thomas Angulo, the institute’s principal, appealed to the board members to mobilize more students, emphasizing the benefits of vocational courses. Currently, the institute has fewer than 200 students, with 95% coming from outside the Bugisu region.
Mbale City Acquires New road equipment
By Weswa Ronnie
Mbale City Council has acquired a brand-new Caterpillar grader worth UGX 1.2 billion , registration number UA117AE to support road construction within the city.
Mbale city has been facing challenges in maintaining road since last financial year due to mechanical fault of their grader they had.
They have been hiring garder from neighboring Manafwa district which has been too expensive and difficult to maintain all roads under work plans since Manafwa district also wants to use it at the same time.
Mayor Namugali Cassim while briefing our reporter today Saturday morning says the grader reached yesterday Friday night .
He expressed happiness saying that money was part of local revenue taxpayers in the city pay and it has been in the budget of this financial year of 2024/25.
“I thank the taxpayers for their role in acquiring this new grader, which cost about UGX 1.2 billion. We might be the first local government to purchase such a machine, and while it was slightly expensive, it is essential for improving our roads,” Namugali said.
He assured residents that with the new grader, the city council would be able to maintain and repair all smaller roads more efficiently.
“I also appreciate my councillors for their patience. Initially, some people thought we were just making empty promises, but good things take time. What matters is not how much we explain ourselves, but the actions we take to leave a lasting legacy during our term,” he added.
Abudallah Magambo the Deputy Speaker of Mbale city also acknowledged the contribution of city residents.
He says that maintain roads in areas like Bumboi, Lwasso, Bukonde, Namanyonyi, and Bukasakya. Now, with this new machine, we expect significant improvements, since maintains works have been suspended due to lack of a grader since Manafwa took it’s garder in January” Magambo noted.
“I thank everyone for their role in this achievement. The grader was purchased using taxpayers’ money, and this should assure them that their contributions are being put to good use.” He said.
Hakim Watenyeli , a resident in Mbale city and member of the City Development Forum, highlighted the progress Mbale is making.
“People have been saying on the streets of Mbale that the city is known for seven rumors a day. However, if we acquire a roller and other essential machines, Mbale will get the development it truly needs, we can change that perception,” he said.
The Caterpillar grader comes fourth, following the Mayor’s vehicle, the Education vehicle, and the Town Clerk’s vehicle, which were recently purchased by the Mbale City Council.
