Legislators defer on new districts
Apr 29, 2010
PARLIAMENT yesterday deferred approval of the creation of 14 new districts for lack of numbers.
ByCatherine Bekunda and Joyce Namutebi
PARLIAMENT yesterday deferred approval of the creation of 14 new districts for lack of numbers.
The MPs were debating for creation of the new districts of Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, Lwengo, Mitooma, Rubirizi, Kibingo (Sheema), Nsika (Buhweju), Butambala, Ngora, Napak, Kibuku, Nwoya. Kole and Agago
When the Speaker put the motion to vote, 152 MPs were in support while five deferred.
State minister for Local government Perez Ahabwe had agreed that the Government would reconsider a proposal by Reagan Okumu (FDC) to declare all counties in Uganda districts.
“I have no problem; I think it is not a wild idea. But we must know that revenue collection on the side of the Government is piecemeal,†he said.
Several legislators from the NRM and opposition had suggested that since there are only 146 counties, all of them should be declared districts so that the process is done once.
“There are only 146 counties, already 111 districts have been created, why don’t we declare the remaining 35 counties districts,†suggested Michael Ocula (FDC).
This was supported by Mary Mugyenyi (NRM), Rose Namayanja (NRM), Okumu, and Remigio Achia (NRM).
“I support the idea of each county being declared a district because it will clear the view that the Government succumbs to political pressure,†Mugyenyi said.
Patrick Amuriat (FDC) opposed the matter saying the creation of districts has a heavy budget.
PARLIAMENT yesterday deferred approval of the creation of 14 new districts for lack of numbers.
The MPs were debating for creation of the new districts of Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, Lwengo, Mitooma, Rubirizi, Kibingo (Sheema), Nsika (Buhweju), Butambala, Ngora, Napak, Kibuku, Nwoya. Kole and Agago
When the Speaker put the motion to vote, 152 MPs were in support while five deferred.
State minister for Local government Perez Ahabwe had agreed that the Government would reconsider a proposal by Reagan Okumu (FDC) to declare all counties in Uganda districts.
“I have no problem; I think it is not a wild idea. But we must know that revenue collection on the side of the Government is piecemeal,†he said.
Several legislators from the NRM and opposition had suggested that since there are only 146 counties, all of them should be declared districts so that the process is done once.
“There are only 146 counties, already 111 districts have been created, why don’t we declare the remaining 35 counties districts,†suggested Michael Ocula (FDC).
This was supported by Mary Mugyenyi (NRM), Rose Namayanja (NRM), Okumu, and Remigio Achia (NRM).
“I support the idea of each county being declared a district because it will clear the view that the Government succumbs to political pressure,†Mugyenyi said.
Patrick Amuriat (FDC) opposed the matter saying the creation of districts has a heavy budget.