Muhanga town council sorghum processors opposed to town council’s relocation plans

By Byamukama Libino

Rukiga – Women dealing in sorghum processing along the Muhanga-Mbarara road in Muhanga Town Council Rukiga district have strongly opposed the town council’s future plans to have them relocated to Ruhonwa Cell Butare Warrd in an improved and modernized sorghum pond as a way of improving sanitation and quality of porridge (busheera) produced within the town council.

Muhanga Town Council Mayor Eng. Tumwijukye James revealed this on Monday during the distribution of 75 tarpaulins worth Shs3,750,000 to women dealing in sorghum processing in Muhanga Town Council by the Rukiga Woman MP Kamusiime Caroline Muhwezi.

Addressing the women who had gathered at Kamusiime’s office in Muhanga Town Council, Eng. Tumwijukye said that the council proposed to have a new place the sorghum processors.

He however, said that they are not chasing the women away but want to improve on the quality of busheera produced by the women.

“We have good intentions on your business but not letting it down as some of you may say,” he added.

Eng. Tumwijukye further warned them against drying their sorghum on the pedestrian’s lane, saying that this has caused road accidents to pedestrians who try not to step in and end up being knocked by vehicles.

Efforts to get a comment from the Town Clerk Muhanga Town Council, Eudia Mutabazi were futile as she did not answer our repeated calls on her known telephone numbers.

The sorghum processors led by Moureen Ewenamanya, Doreen Nsasiibwe and Evas Bushari said that the they want to stay on their stream saying that it’s where their stores and rentals are, and relocating to Ruhonwa would make them incur a lot of costs.

They added that it is difficult for one to get a store in Ruhonwa Cell and a compound where to dry their sorghum from.

They also pointed out insecurity of their sorghum if brought in one sorghum pond.

The vendors challenged the Mayor to work on the sanitation in Muhanga Town Council rather than relocating them to Ruhonwa, adding that most of the landlords do empty their toilets in the stream.

On 30^th July 2022, locals in Rwabahanzi Cell, Central Ward Muhanga Town Council, went wild on their fellows who had allegedly emptied his toilet sewerage in the stream and in a neighbor’s compound.

The accused was a one Charles Katuramu; a retired police officer (O.C) and a business man only identified as Herbert both residents of the above address

Katuramu on the fateful day reportedly hired men to empty toilets at his bar and lodge restaurant in Rwabahanzi Cell along Kabale Mbarara highway using the Jerrycans.