Tororo MPs push for more administrative units as Museveni orders action
“The shortage of schools has contributed to poor academic performance among our children,” Oketcho said, urging the government to address the gaps in service delivery.
MP George Oketcho (R) and MP John Paul Wandera, who represents Samia Bugwe County North, during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus meeting at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala on Friday.
TORORO - President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Prime Minister to fast-track the establishment of new administrative units in Tororo District following concerns by legislators over population pressure, land conflicts and inadequate public services.
The directive followed concerns raised by Tororo MPs during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus meeting at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala on Friday.
George Oketcho, the MP for West Budama South County, told the meeting that population growth had outpaced existing social infrastructure, making it difficult for residents to access essential government services.
“On behalf of the people of Tororo, particularly West Budama South, I wish to draw your attention to the challenges facing residents following the creation of new administrative units, including Mulanda, Kisoko, Mukuju and Tororo City,” Oketcho said.
He said the administrative changes had brought challenges related to population pressure, land conflicts and service delivery.
Oketcho cited the long distances residents travel to access healthcare, saying some communities in West Budama South cover approximately 25 kilometres to reach Tororo Main Hospital.
The MP also raised concerns about inadequate educational infrastructure in neighbouring Tororo South and other areas, saying the shortage of schools had contributed to poor academic performance among learners.
“The shortage of schools has contributed to poor academic performance among our children,” Oketcho said, urging the government to address the gaps in service delivery.
He asked the Ministry of Local Government to table a proposal before Parliament to enable legislators to debate the challenges and find a lasting solution.
In response, Museveni said there were other priorities to be addressed before the creation of additional administrative units could be considered, prompting Oketcho to propose that Parliament pass a resolution as the government works towards securing the required funding.
Museveni agreed and directed the Prime Minister to take action to fast-track the process.
Presenting the resolutions, NRM Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng said legislators had committed to working closely with the caucus to ensure the continued implementation of government business in Parliament.
The MPs resolved to intensify the fight against corruption by engaging citizens at the grassroots to monitor government programmes, particularly in local governments, health facilities and schools.
They also pledged increased vigilance against crime, including livestock and coffee theft, as well as murders, urging members to report incidents to relevant authorities.
On economic transformation, the caucus resolved to strengthen monitoring of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to bring the 33% of Ugandans still outside the money economy into productive activities
The legislators also called for stricter accountability in the disbursement of PDM funds allocated to persons with disabilities to ensure that intended beneficiaries receive them.
Other resolutions prioritised water production for domestic consumption and irrigation, support for new hydroelectric dams, including Ayago and Kiba, and investments in solar and nuclear energy.
The MPs further pledged support for railway expansion, the development of an oil refinery and the political and economic integration of East Africa and Africa to promote a common market.