New Districts Vs Service Delivery

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.

Uganda is one of the Countries in Africa with the highest number of districts. Even the biggest countries in Africa have fewer districts like Nigeria.

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!!!