Youths councilors in Kabale Municipality are in the spotlight for allegedly selling off 500 chicks donated to the youths to boost their income. They are part of the 3000 chicks donated by president Yoweri Museveni to youths in Kabale Municipality on the request of Alex Bujara, Kabale Municipality NRM youth chairperson. The aggrieved youths say that the sold chicks were meant for distribution to youth in various wards in Central Division.
Moses Mukundenta, a youth from Butobere ward says that he has received reliable information that the chicks were sold off by three youth leaders. They include Lewin Nyesiga, the councilor for Butobero Ward, Viola Nahwera, the representative for Nyabikoni ward and the Central Ward councilor Dan Bekunda. Mukundenta wants the youth leaders to be forced to return the money they received from selling the chicks and be punished by the authorities.
Robert Tukamuhabwa, a youth from central ward says that they have tried to inquire the whereabouts of the chicks in vain. Tukamuhabwa says that when he insisted on following up on the chicks Nahwera told him the chicks were in safe hands, adding that there was need for all the youths to see them as if they were sick. Irene Mbabazi, a youth from Nyabikooni ward says that they have received information that the chicks were sold off to Janet Nzeirwe, the youth councilor Katuna town council.
She wants the youth councilors to pay back the chicks as well 30 bags of chicken feed they were given to kick start the poultry project. Jamil Karijiraki, the central Division youth councilor denies allegations that they sold off the chicks. He says the chicks were transferred to Janet Nzierwe, the Katuna Youth councilor when the farmer who was looking after them pulled out.
The three implicated councilors have also denied selling off the chicks saying that they would share proceeds with their Katuna town council counterparts. Nzeirwe says she was only given the chicks for safe keeping. James Kasimbazi, Kabale District NAADS coordinator says that they have received complaints from the youths that the chicks were sold adding that, they will investigate the allegations to ascertain the truth.
