The Ministry of Local Government in a bid to bolster the monitoring of government programs and facilitate effective mobilization of the masses has handed over 27 brand new motorcycles to Sub-county, Town Council, and Division Chairpersons in Wakiso District.
Representing the Minister for Local Government, Benjamin Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry emphasized the importance of utilizing the motorcycles for their intended purpose. He urged the local government leaders to make the most of this resource to ensure efficient monitoring of government initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Kumumanya assured the chairpersons that the ministry was committed to addressing the challenges faced by Wakiso District due to its unique nature. He pledged to work towards resolving issues that hindered the smooth operation of local governments in the area.
However, during the event, concerns were raised regarding the delayed release of funds collected by the lower local governments. Betty Ethel Naluyima, the Woman Member of Parliament, highlighted how this delay had adversely affected service delivery in many local government units. She urged the ministry to prioritize resolving this issue to ensure timely and effective implementation of government projects.
Naluyima also drew attention to the encroachment of Wakiso areas of Bulenga and Najjera in Kira Municipality by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). She called upon the ministry to address the boundary dispute, emphasizing the need to protect Wakiso’s territorial integrity.
Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the District Chairperson, requested the Minister to consider Wakiso as a National District that deserved unique attention, irrespective of its voting patterns. He emphasized the district’s importance and urged the ministry to prioritize its development needs.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the local government, Alfred Malinga, the Chief Administrative Officer, commended the government for providing the motorcycles. He stressed the importance of the chairpersons’ efforts in monitoring various government programs, including the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, education, healthcare, and micro-scale irrigation, among others.
The provision of motorcycles to local government leaders is expected to enhance their ability to monitor government programs effectively and facilitate grassroots mobilization.