By Micheal Atwakiire
Sheema District Woman Lawmaker Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru has September 2, 2019 broken a 39-year spell by offering free and clean water to people of Kigarama Sub-county.
Residents of Bwayegamba parish were seen with smiling faces, jubilating and praising their legislator Atuhaire as soon as she took an excavator to dig a dam which will supply the area.
One of the beneficiaries Mzee Fred Bataringaya,79, told SpyUganda that around early 80’s, residents had their water dam which was later destroyed by the National Resistance Movement (NRM/A) bush war.
“At first we had a water dam where all residents could get water from, but during Museveni’s bush war in the 80’s, our dam lacked maintenance and it dried up. Since then more than 700 residents have been using one pond with brown, dirty water,” Bataringaya said.
He added that their leaders were only making unfulfilled promises until God brought in Atuhaire.
“Our wives, children and grandchildren have been waking up at 5:00Am to at least fetch somehow clean water. I have been here for so long but all leaders from; Sir Richard Kaijuka to Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye and Naome Kibaaju promised us clean water but after giving them votes, none ever came back. Yet they know water is life,” he added.
He noted that previously, Hon. Kibaaju took photos of the area and promised to work on the water issue but she never returned after being voted.
“What Hon. Atuhaire has done today, she will always be remembered in this area forever; whether I’m alive or dead, I will keep on praying for her to be a Minister for water, because this is a miracle to us “ Mzee Bataringaya said.
Hon Atuhaire however apologized for having got to know the problem late and requested residents to always tell their problems early enough.
“I sacrificed my monthly salary for my good people of Sheema. I feel so sad seeing the same people who spent their time standing under sunshine voting us suffering this way. I apologise. I did not know that. After digging this dam, I will bring a machine that will pump this water from here to your nearest homes”, she said.
She added that “No need to keep on coming here for this dirty water. This exercise will cost me over Shs22m and this is not any one’s money but mine. After solving this water problem, I will also work harder to bring for you electricity; with me you won’t suffer again” Atuhaire promised.
The happiest residents nicknamed the dam “Rwabukurukuru water dam project” and asked the MP never to waste time going back to their area looking for votes.
“It’s us who should kneel down before her to request Atuhaire to contest again; what she has done is a miracle and we shall keep on remembering her, because it is not easy to find goodhearted people who sacrifice for the good of their voters. To me, she is the president of Sheema.” Kyomufunjo a resident, said.
