Govt Considers Special Funding for Uganda's Key Administrative Units

  Key Information: The government will provide additional resources to 'large districts' while the ban on new units remai...

 

Key Information:

• The government will provide additional resources to 'large districts' while the ban on new units remains in place.

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The government is exploring the possibility of providing additional resources to bigger local governments and city councils as a substitute for dividing administrative areas, according to Local Government Minister Raphael Magezi.

Mr. Magezi, who officiated at the opening of the 56th General Assembly of the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU) in Tororo Municipality on Thursday, stated that this initiative is one of the solutions being considered while the Cabinet's restriction on establishing new administrative units is still in effect.

The minister was addressing worries brought up by UAAU president Dr Wilson Sanya, who urged the government to review ongoing requests for splitting large administrative areas, stating that their population and physical size hinder efficient service provision.

"Mr. Minister, we would like to bring to your notice that some of our councils are excessively large in terms of population and area, yet when you allocate resources, this is not taken into account. It is against this backdrop that some of them have requested to be divided," said Dr. Sanya.

Mr. Magezi recognized the increasing pressure from districts, municipalities, and cities aiming to split villages, parishes, wards, sub-counties, divisions, and administrative regions, but emphasized that the Cabinet's stance has not changed.

"We recognize the difficulties you are facing, but we are stating that the cabinet's ban on establishing new administrative units is still in effect. However, the government has plans to implement affirmative action for districts, municipal, and city councils, allowing them to be on equal footing with others during resource distribution," he said.

He mentioned that the government will, for now, provide extra funding to bigger local authorities, towns, and cities, enabling them to function at the same speed as smaller entities.

Mr. Magezi referenced Tororo District, where President Museveni had suggested establishing three districts and upgrading Tororo Municipality to city status, but noted that these changes have not been implemented as they need legal approval from the Attorney General and a financial certification.

He mentioned that bigger administrative units will be given priority in initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the distribution of road equipment.

The official also warned about internal disputes among the councils, noting that certain individuals had exceeded their responsibilities.

"I have received alarming information that a speaker has proceeded to suspend the mayor or chairperson, and I have consistently maintained that this is incorrect, even though the law allows for it, this should not reach such a level because the mayor or chairperson continues to be the political leader of the institution," he said.

He condemned those who exclude mayors or chairpersons from council meetings and encouraged councils to promote collaboration between different levels of government. He also recommended that mayors and chairpersons make sure their representatives have transportation, particularly when official vehicles are still being utilized.

Mr. Magezi also stated that the government is looking into increasing compensation for local government officials.

"The leader of this nation holds all his regional officials in high regard, which is why he has proposed increased salaries for them, and the proposal is now nearing final approval," he stated.

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