Kabale-Kabale District has today witnessed a leadership transition at the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office as Retired Major Godfrey Katamba officially assumed duties, replacing Godfrey Nyakahuma who has been transferred to Kaberamaido District.
The handover ceremony, held at the RDC’s office in Kabale Municipality, was marked by a blend of reflection and renewed commitment to addressing the district’s persistent governance challenges. The outgoing RDC, Godfrey Nyakahuma, who had served in the position since September 2021, offered a candid overview of his tenure, acknowledging both achievements and unresolved concerns.
In his farewell remarks, Nyakahuma expressed concern over numerous unresolved land-related cases, which he described as some of the most pressing issues in the district. He noted that a significant number of these disputes stem from intra-family land grabbing, where relatives unlawfully seize land from their kin.
This, he said, had prompted a surge in complaints to the RDC’s office, as many residents avoided pursuing justice through the courts due to fears of corruption, bias, and prolonged legal battles.
“People continue to flock to the RDC’s office because they trust us to offer quick and fair mediation, unlike the courts where cases can drag on for years,” Nyakahuma said.
He further pointed out that moneylending scams had become a serious challenge, with some lenders manipulating loan agreements to claim land ownership from unsuspecting borrowers. “In many cases, these lenders allege that land was sold to them, yet our investigations often show that the landowners only borrowed money and never intended to sell their property,” he explained.
Nyakahuma noted that his office had collaborated with a High Court judge to address these fraudulent activities, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance by local authorities.
CUE IN NYAKAHUMA….ON HANDOVER CEREMONY…ENG
Taking over the reins, the new RDC, Retired Major Godfrey Katamba, pledged a strong stance against corruption, sectarianism, and environmental degradation issues he described as stumbling blocks to Kabale’s development.
“I come with a mission to serve the people of Kabale without fear or favor. The time has come to put an end to sectarianism and corruption. These are cancers that have delayed development not just in Kigezi but across Uganda,” Katamba said.
He expressed concern over the ongoing encroachment on wetlands, citing cases where individuals settle in protected areas and later demand compensation from the government to vacate. “Such actions are driven by selfish interests and must stop,” he said, vowing to work closely with environmental authorities to ensure enforcement of wetland conservation laws.
Katamba also promised to follow up on the delayed water supply project earmarked for Ndorwa West constituency in the 2024/2025 financial year.
The project was expected to improve access to clean water, a long-standing need in the area, but has yet to commence.”I will engage with the relevant ministries and stakeholders to ensure this project is not shelved or misappropriated. Clean water is a basic human right, and the people of Ndorwa West deserve better,” he affirmed.
In a passionate appeal, the new RDC urged residents to shun divisive politics and work together for the common good. “We are in the 21st century. Tribalism, nepotism, and sectarianism should be things of the past. Let us unite as one people with a shared vision for Kabale’s progress,” Katamba said.
CUE IN RTD MAJ KATAMBA ON CORRUPTION…ENG
The handover marks a new chapter for the district, with residents expressing cautious optimism that the new RDC will build on his predecessor’s work while introducing fresh strategies to tackle persistent issues.
Both Nyakahuma and Katamba received praise for their willingness to serve in challenging circumstances, with local leaders calling for continued cooperation among political, religious, and cultural stakeholders to support the RDC’s office in its oversight and conflict resolution role.
