Move to split Kasese district endorsed

The Kasese NRM caucus has endorsed a move to split Kasese into three districts so as to extend services nearer to the people and also create jobs.

NRM publicist Johnson Kamalha told a press briefing in Kasese town on Sunday that their resolution is in line with what was passed by the district council in 2010.

He said Kasese remains the largest district in Uganda and urged the ministry of local government to speed up the move to have it split.

"The district council pronounced itself and a resolution was passed, minutes were sent to parliament and cabinet approved the proposal of splitting Kasese district."

The NRM chairman for Kasese Dr. Crispus Kiyonga said western Ugandan district should be split since it was a council resolution.

Kiyonga said the district should be split into three districts - Bwera, Hima and Kikorongo - so that people in the lower lands can also have their own administrative unit.

Christine Muhindo, the presidential advisor in charge of affairs in the Rwenzori region, warned leaders in the district to stop inciting the public against the idea.

"As NRM caucus we have already endorsed the move," she said, adding: "The district should be split so that people can get jobs; there are a lot of benefits associated with having a new district."

Muhindo said leaders opposing the split have their own selfish interests and that they are not after serving the people.

"If Kabarole was not split in 1974 to create Kasese and Bundibugyo, where would be now? I think our leaders should stop inciting people. Let us have focused leaders who are after the development of their people."

All six opposition MPs from Kasese have opposed the move, warning that there would be bloodshed if the idea comes to fruition.

Speaking at a recent function in Kyabarungira sub-county, Busongora North MP William Nzoghu offered his stance on the idea.

"We oppose the move to have Kasese district split because of the way it is proposed to be split. They want all the natural resources to be on the lower sides so that the original Kasese can remain with nothing."

The district's elders forum, led by retired RDC's Bamusedde Bwambale and David Masereka, petitioned the president to spilt the district since the council passed the resolution.

"There is already a council minute in regard to that issue, so I don't see the reason why government is delaying because the majority want the district to be split," said Bwambale.