By VOM News Team
The Foundation Stone for John Kale Institute of Science and Technology (JKIST) in Nyakabande Sub County has been vandalized after nearly five years of a Presidential pledge that has never been realized.
The Foundation Stone was officially commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni back in 2017 at Rwivovo in Nyakabande Sub County, Kisoro district.
According to Mr. Museveni, JKIST was promised to Kisoro district in memory of the late John Muhima Kalekezi, the father of the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen Edward Kale Kayihura, for his role in instilling the spirit of Pan-Africanism amongst Ugandans
The red baked brick wall, skillfully fitted with a black metallic plate that signed by President Yoweri Museveni currently stands no more, shuttering dreams of many would be believers of the NRM Government, that has since taken a back seat on salient issues affecting communities in Kisoro district.
These include the John Kale Institute of Science and Technology, Tourism Roads and the Industrial Park among others.
Shozi B village chairperson Odon Nzabonimpa says no one has been arrested in connection to the destruction of the foundation stone.
According to Nzabonimpa, the foundation stone was not fortified with metals to make it strong. He says it was made to look pretty from the outside but inside, it was lacking the necessary materials to make it stand strong forever.
“The people who designed the foundation stone did not use any metals. They simply laid the bricks with cement. This might be the reason why it fell to the ground”, Nzabonimpa explained
Fallen Stone Foundation, Failed Presidential Pledge
Kisoro district LCV chairperson Abel Bizimana says the destruction of the foundation stone is symbolic to the failed Presidential Pledge of a higher institute of learning.
According to Bizimana, Government and a section of people in Kisoro district have continue to frustrate its realization.
Bizimana claims that he managed to secure a land title for the Rwivovo land in the names, John Kale Institute of Science and Technology.
Some 250 people are demanding compensation for the land amounting to 6.8 billion Ugandan shillings.
“The foundation stone that stands no more represents a section of our people who are deliberately fighting this project however we shall continue to advocate for JKIST until it is one day realized.
Bufumbira East Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. James Nsaba Buturo has been one of the leaders in the district closely following the progress of JKIST however, his numerous letters to the Office of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja have not yet yielded anything tangible.
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Kassim says the district council should renovate the stone foundation by having councilors adopt the idea in tomorrow 28th March 2022 district council meeting.
One Jonathan says, now that the stone foundation is destroyed, it will be stolen and they will be no mark that the President laid a foundation stone.
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