Luuka: Hajji Faruk Kirunda, the deputy press secretary for President Yoweri Museveni, has revealed that the President is set to visit the Busoga subregion to address issues and discuss the progress of the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM) in the area.
Hajji Kirunda made the announcement on Saturday, August 10, 2024, during the prayer service (Dua) for the late Yusuf Bita, who tragically died in a motor accident along with Kirunda’s wife, Gladys Aliyinza, in Luuka district. The Dua, which attracted several dignitaries, was held at Kirimwa village in Bukooma subcounty, Luuka district, at the home of the deceased.
Hajji Kirunda stated that the President’s visit to Busoga is focused on assessing the progress of the PDM, which aims to transform the lives of ordinary Ugandans.
“I want to inform the people of Luuka that the President is soon coming to Busoga to review the PDM programme. Many have raised concerns about this initiative, and I hope that the people of Luuka and Busoga are managing it well,” Hajji Kirunda said.
He added, “Let us ensure that we handle this programme with integrity to avoid any issues of arrests. I want to thank you all for your continued support of President Museveni’s initiatives.”
Kirunda made these remarks in the presence of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Chairman Dr. Muhammad Lugeba Kisambira, who also serves as the first deputy prime minister of Busoga Kingdom, Luuka RDC Mr. Ronald Katende, Luuka NRM chairperson Meddy Murumba, clergy, and other political figures gathered to honor the late Yusuf Bita.
Bita died instantly on June 24, 2024, in a severe road accident involving a sugarcane lorry and a double cabin truck. Bita and Aliyinza lost their lives, while the other two occupants of the executive vehicle survived.
In his message, Hajji Kirunda pledged significant support to Bita’s family, promising to cover the educational expenses of Bita’s children at all levels.
“I will donate ten million shillings (shs10m) to the grieving family. Five million will go towards constructing a house for the widow, three million will serve as capital to support the other widow’s business, and the remaining funds will be used for additional support,” he said, specifying that the money would be managed by Dr. Lubega.
“I am committed to ensuring that the senior four student receives education support and that every orphan of the late Bita is taken care of,” he added.
At the event, Annet Nabirye, the late Aliyinza’s sister, was officially introduced as the replacement for her sibling, who had been a candidate for the Luuka district woman member of Parliament. Nabirye expressed her readiness to fulfill her sister’s vision for effective and dedicated leadership in Luuka.
“I was among those who supported Gladys in her efforts for Luuka. Now, as her successor, I am committed to advancing this cause and ensuring progress,” said Nabirye.
Supporting Nabirye, Dr. Lubega emphasized, “We had collaborated with Aliyinza in various efforts to aid in the transformation of Luuka. Our work has not been in vain.”
Dr. Lubega also highlighted the importance of unity among Luuka citizens to drive common development in the district.
Luuka RDC Ronald Katende commended Hajji Kirunda for his significant support to the family of the deceased and the other victims of the tragic accident.
Article compiled by Simon Mbago and Umar Ntogona
