CREATION OF 25 NEW DISTRICTS DOES NOT
GUARANTEE IMPROVED SERVICES
The proponents of the creation of new districts argue that it’s
intended to improve and bring services closer, for the effective administration
of those areas. The proposed new
districts are Kagadi, Kakumiro, Bunyangabu, Butebo, Bugweri, Kakuuto,
Kapelebyong, Kasanda Kazo, Kilak, Kitagwenda,
Kyadondo, Kyotera, Nabilatuk, Namisindwa, Omoro, Pakwach, Rubanda, Rukiga and
Rwampara.
Uganda had 16 districts by 1959, which increased to 17 in
1962 and were 33 in 1986 when Museveni came to power. Currently we have 111
districts minus Kampala Capital City, making the total of all districts rise to
136 if approved.
Tax payers are worried about the implications of the
additional new districts. The question however would be whether Uganda’s
economy can support more districts. It is expensive to support a district. It
requires a district council (LC5) with chairperson and deputy, a resident
district commissioner, chief administrative officer, district planner, district
education officer, district environment officer, district agricultural officer
and NAADS coordinator, district councilors, district health officer, etc, all
drawing hefty salaries and allowances. This also means 25 new women members of
parliament, 25 Members of Parliament, and more expensive cars for the Honorables
hence increased government spending.
This will mean that the tax payer will
cough an extra of about 50 billion per year and more Shs30 billion would be
needed for administration alone.
Some critics are arguing that NRM is using this strategy to increase
on their holding since they have lost many bi-elections and are losing
popularity in the public eye. However, as tax payers this is not a big concern,
all we are asking is that; Can Uganda’s ailing economy support the additional
districts that will come with their more costs??
The creation of new districts does not bring services closer
to the people, per se. Taking a case study of the “still” new districts of Kibingo,
Nsiika, Rubirizi, Mitooma, and Bushenyi District which were curved out of the
greater Bushenyi district of which up to now are still complaining of lack of
drugs in the health centers, no electricity even in the municipality, roads
still bad and some districts having no presentable head quarters. So where are
the services that everyone is talking about?
I think Ugandan tax payers need not be taken for granted because
at the end of the day this will affect all of us one way or the other, having
the government increase on its expenditure. To those who are proponents of this
motion need some sensitization so they can understand the implications that
come with the increased number of districts.
My prediction is that by 2050 (if still alive) we will have about
900 districts…. (Hmmm)
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY!!!
