Village chairpersons and Local Council II leaders in Rubirizi District have been sworn into office and urged to uphold transparency, accountability and integrity while serving their communities.
The leaders took their oaths of office on Monday at the Rubirizi District headquarters, marking the beginning of their new term in local government leadership.
During the ceremony, the leaders were reminded that their positions come with a responsibility to protect the interests of residents and promote lawful governance at the grassroots.
Rubirizi District Woman Member of Parliament Arinaitwe Jeneva cautioned the newly sworn-in leaders against engaging in corruption and using their offices for personal gain. She urged them to remain accountable to the people who elected them.
“You have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving your communities. Do not use your positions to enrich yourselves or engage in corruption. Your leadership should be guided by honesty, transparency and accountability,” Arinaitwe said.
The MP also warned the leaders against misusing their official stamps, particularly by endorsing illegal land agreements, saying such actions could expose both the leaders and residents to legal disputes. She urged them to ensure that any documents they endorse comply with the law.
Rubirizi District Chairperson Agaba Obed Byakureka also challenged the leaders to protect the trust placed in them by their communities. He said local leaders should avoid practices that undermine service delivery and instead work closely with residents to address their challenges.
“Your offices are meant to serve the people, not to facilitate corruption or illegal activities. Use your stamps and authority responsibly, follow the law and always remember that you are accountable to the people you lead,” Byakureka said.
The leaders pledged to serve their communities diligently, uphold the law and promote development while avoiding corruption and abuse of office.