Rubanda LC5 boss calls for decentralisation of disaster response funds

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The LCV chairperson of Rubanda district, Stephen Kasyaba, has called on the Office of the Prime Minister to decentralise authority and public funds to local governments, arguing that the move would significantly improve service delivery and efficiency.

Speaking to New Vision on Wednesday (February 25) at Cephas Inn Hotel in Kabale, Kasyaba emphasised the need for emergency funds, particularly those designated for national disasters, to be transferred from the central government to district administrations.

Kasyaba observed that although disasters such as landslides, floods and hailstorms occur within local communities, the funds to respond to them remain under the control of the Prime Minister’s Office. According to him, this centralised arrangement often leads to bureaucratic delays that hinder swift intervention during emergencies.

“When disasters strike, local leaders are the first responders on the ground, but accessing funds from the centre takes time,” Kasyaba said. “By the time the money is released, communities have already suffered prolonged hardship.”

He argued that placing emergency disaster funds directly at the local government level would enable districts to respond promptly, provide relief to affected families and coordinate recovery efforts more effectively. Decentralisation, he added, would not only improve disaster management but also strengthen accountability, as local leaders are better positioned to assess and monitor community needs.

Service delivery gains

Beyond disaster response, Kasyaba highlighted what he described as remarkable development progress in Rubanda district since its creation in 2016.

In the health sector, the district has constructed and operationalised a district hospital aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services. The hospital is currently undergoing additional construction works under the supervision of the Uganda People's Defence Forces. Recruitment of health workers is also ongoing to ensure the facility operates at full capacity.

Kasyaba further revealed that the district is in the process of upgrading one of its health facilities to Health Centre IV status. Several health centres have been strengthened with the deployment of three professional doctors, while new maternity wards have been constructed to address maternal health challenges.

Previously, many residents were referred to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for advanced maternal and emergency care. The improved local facilities are expected to reduce these referrals, saving families time and transport costs while ensuring timely medical attention.

“Good health is the foundation of productivity,” Kasyaba noted, emphasising that a healthy population is essential for economic growth and sustainable development.

On education, the district leadership has prioritised improving standards and expanding access. Kasyaba disclosed that 155 primary school teachers have been recruited onto the government payroll, with plans to hire an additional 40 teachers to address staffing shortages.

In the past five years, Rubanda district has secured three seed secondary schools in the sub-counties of Ruhiiga, Kibuzigye and Nyamweru to expand secondary education opportunities.

This year, the district also plans to construct a government technical school at a cost of more than sh3 billion. The institution will focus on vocational training, equipping learners with practical skills to enhance employment prospects, particularly for those who may not advance to university.

Kasyaba maintained that sustained investment in health and education, coupled with greater fiscal autonomy for local governments, will accelerate development and improve livelihoods across the district.