Residents of Ntoma Cell Call for Relief Over Contributions to Build Cell Offices

Some residents of Ntoma Cell, located in Musheri Sector of Nyagatare District, say they are burdened by financial contributions demanded by cell authorities for the construction of cell offices. The residents argue that these contributions have become a heavy burden on their livelihoods and that they were not involved in the decision-making process that led to the construction of the offices. They are therefore calling on the relevant authorities to ease the burden and ensure that the project is implemented in a way that does not negatively affect their daily lives.

One resident of Ntoma Cell, who requested anonymity, said that the compulsory financial contributions have caused serious difficulties for many households. “We are being asked to contribute money to build the cell offices, yet we never agreed to this decision. The amounts being demanded are beyond our means, and many families are struggling to pay. This situation is causing serious hardship and threatens our economic stability,” the resident said.

The resident added that it is unfair for citizens to be asked to contribute money in an unclear and coercive manner, especially when it disrupts their livelihoods.

The Mayor of Nyagatare District, Kakooza Henry, said the district administration is aware of the issue and will follow it up urgently. He emphasized that it is inappropriate to force residents to contribute money toward development projects. “This is an issue we have already started to address with urgency. Residents should not be compelled to make financial contributions to development activities. We are committed to resolving this matter through the appropriate administrative channels so that citizens are no longer affected by this problem,” Mayor Kakooza Henry said.

According to laws and regulations governing citizens’ contributions to development activities, the construction of government administrative offices particularly those of districts and sectors is financed through the national budget, whether at the district or central government level.

Residents may participate in development initiatives, mainly through community work (umuganda) or by voluntarily providing basic construction materials such as bricks or sand. However, what is not permitted is the compulsory collection of money from residents. Such contributions should be voluntary and considerate of citizens’ living conditions.

The affected residents are calling for strict adherence to laws and guidelines that require development-related contributions to be voluntary and based on community solidarity, rather than being imposed as an undue financial burden through unauthorized decisions.

They also urge that their concerns be addressed promptly and call on leaders at all levels, especially local authorities, to do everything possible to protect citizens from financial obligations they cannot afford. “Implementing development projects is our responsibility, but it should never be done in a way that harms citizens. The cell offices will be constructed in a fair and transparent manner, and residents will continue to play a positive role in building our country,” Mayor Kakooza Henry added.

The district administration is expected to intensify efforts to resolve this financial dispute so that development activities can continue without placing an excessive burden on residents. This approach aims to ensure that the construction of Ntoma Cell offices proceeds in a way that is inclusive, lawful, and sustainable.

This story highlights the readiness of Nyagatare District authorities to address the issue and ensure that residents maintain decent living conditions while development projects are implemented in accordance with government policies.