By Moses Andama
www.mknewslink.com
In Masindi—
Masindi District Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Sanon Dhala has warned against an alleged plan by individuals he described as “mafias” who are mobilizing people to demonstrate and display manila cards at government offices ahead of the visit of the Minister of State for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.
Minister Balaam is expected to visit Masindi District on Wednesday as part of his tour of the Bunyoro sub-region.
Dhala said he had received information that a group of people was being mobilised to visit various government offices, including those of the Deputy RDC, Senior RDC, police, technical officers, engineers some politicians and even minister himself where they would allegedly display their manila cards.
According to Dhala, the organisers whose identities were not yet disclosed to this publication are allegedly promising to pay each participant Shs20,000 and provide lunch to those who display their manila cards at the respective offices.
He further alleged that individuals who would be given an opportunity to speak during the minister’s public rally, commonly known as a Baraza, would be paid Shs200,000.
“Those who are involving themselves in such malicious acts should know that these things will not stop there. Some of them may end up in court. We should not use that platform to destabilise and frustrate people, but rather use it to address issues that promote development,” Dhala said.
Dhala, however, encouraged residents to turn up in large numbers during the minister’s visit and use the opportunity to raise genuine concerns affecting them.
He also urged authorities to give residents an opportunity to speak freely so that they can expose corruption and other challenges affecting service delivery in the district.
“I encourage residents to come in big numbers and raise their concerns. Let them be given a platform to speak out and expose those involved in corruption and other malpractices,” Dhala said.
Minister Balaam Barugahara is expected to begin his tour of the Bunyoro sub-region on Tuesday in Kiryandongo District before proceeding to Masindi on Wednesday.
The minister is also expected to visit other areas in the region, including Buliisa, Hoima City, Hoima District, Kikuube, Kagadi and Kakumiro.