The Rukungiri District Council has resolved that the offices of the Resident District Commissioner and the District Internal Security Officer will start paying rent to the district local government beginning in the 2026/2027 financial year.
The resolution was passed during a council meeting held to approve the 2026/2027 budget. The proposal was first presented by the Social Services Committee before being debated and approved.
During the meeting, District Speaker James Turyamubona sought legal guidance from Chief Administrative Officer Frederick Byekwaso on whether it was proper for the RDC and DISO offices to pay rent to the district, since they are central government offices.
Byekwaso advised that it was not appropriate, noting that the building was constructed by government and that the officials serve within the central government system.
Despite the advice, several councillors supported the proposal, citing benchmarking visits to other districts where similar offices reportedly pay rent.
Among those who backed the move were Female Youth Councillor Susan Abisinguza, Bikurungu Town Council Councillor Emmanuel Mwebesa, outgoing Ruhinda Sub-county Councillor Benson Karyamarwaki, Kebisoni Town Council Councillor and District Chief Whip David Kwebangira, Nyakyishenyi Sub-county Councillor Brian Ainebyoona Bantu, and Buyanja Sub-county Councillor Albert Rwamugata.
The councillors argued that RDC and DISO offices receive rent allowances from government and should therefore contribute revenue to the district for occupying district buildings. They also questioned why the offices had stopped paying rent after relocating to the new district headquarters, noting that they had previously contributed rent at the old premises.
“The district struggles to collect revenue from its properties because some government offices do not pay rent, and leaders should lead by example,” councillors argued.
Speaker Turyamubona directed the responsible authorities to ensure the RDC and DISO offices begin paying rent in the next financial year.
The council also resolved that the Rukungiri Municipality Education Department should start paying rent for occupying space within the district building.
Rukungiri District currently has five RDC officials: the RDC, Deputy RDC, and three Assistant RDCs.