Kampala divisions should be autonomous- Takuba
Mar 15, 2007
KAWEMPE has been grappling with the problem of cholera, flooding and impassable roads. <b>Joshua Kato</b> talked to the LC3 chairman, Nasser Kibirige Takuba, on how they are coping. Excerpts
KAWEMPE has been grappling with the problem of cholera, flooding and impassable roads. Joshua Kato talked to the LC3 chairman, Nasser Kibirige Takuba, on how they are coping. Excerpts
How did the scrapping of graduated tax affect the district?
It is not only graduated tax. The central government has done a lot of things that have affected revenue collection. For example, market and bodaboda fees were scrapped. The Government promised us money to compensate for the loss of graduated tax, but we have never received it. Many programmes have stalled due to lack of funds.
Your division was attacked by cholera between October 2006 and January 2007. How did the local leaders fight the disease?
Local leaders were seriously involved in fighting the disease. We had disaster preparedness committees organised by LCs. The committees identified the affected people and sensitised residents. Even after the cholera outbreak reduced, we have to ensure that it does not recur. Ensuring that people live in hygienic conditions is largely the role of local leaders.
There are heaps of garbage around Kalerwe, Bwaise and other markets. Has the division forgotten its responsibility to collect garbage?
The division collects garbage, but it is incapacitated by lack of equipment and vehicles. We are in the process of privatising garbage collection. This process was underway when Mayor Nasser Sebaggala introduced a new proposal. We want to encourage residents to take part in garbage collection. We are debating a new proposal, where residents will pay sh200 or more for garbage collection.
What is the division doing to stop floods in the areas of Bwaise, Kalerwe and Kyebando?
This is a very big problem, which cannot be handled by the division alone. The division, or even Kampala City Council, lacks funds to stop floods. We need the involvement of the Government. The problem is made worse by the rapid population growth. Almost all water outlets are occupied by the huge population.
How will you solve the land problems in the division, including land that was grabbed by veterans at Wandegeya?
If somebody wants land, there are procedures that must be followed. These include approaching land owners, who are, in this case, the division and make a formal request. But the veterans did not do that. Although they have established a market, we do not recognise them.
Do you collect dues from them?
We do not collect any fee from them. Doing so would amount to recognising them. We reported the matter to the authorities and we are still waiting for their action.
Why are most roads in the division impassable?
Roads are a big challenge. We do not have a road unit. Kampala district has one tractor that is supposed to be used by all the four divisions. The tractor is in bad mechanical condition and it cannot work consistently on 2kms of road. I recently heard that the Government took over road management in the city, but I am yet to see them in Kawempe. Unless the Government comes out to assist us, we cannot effectively work on the roads.
Recently, Makindye division chairman Moses Kalungi denounced his town clerk and chased her away. How are you fighting corruption in Kawempe?
It is not easy to fight corruption. It has become even tougher after the Central Government recentralised the appointment of town clerks. We always condemn corruption. Perhaps if the Central Government is not listening, many of us will be forced to go the Kalungi way.
What is the way forward for
Kampala divisions?
The divisions should be made autonomous entities so that they receive direct funding from the Government.
How did the scrapping of graduated tax affect the district?
It is not only graduated tax. The central government has done a lot of things that have affected revenue collection. For example, market and bodaboda fees were scrapped. The Government promised us money to compensate for the loss of graduated tax, but we have never received it. Many programmes have stalled due to lack of funds.
Your division was attacked by cholera between October 2006 and January 2007. How did the local leaders fight the disease?
Local leaders were seriously involved in fighting the disease. We had disaster preparedness committees organised by LCs. The committees identified the affected people and sensitised residents. Even after the cholera outbreak reduced, we have to ensure that it does not recur. Ensuring that people live in hygienic conditions is largely the role of local leaders.
There are heaps of garbage around Kalerwe, Bwaise and other markets. Has the division forgotten its responsibility to collect garbage?
The division collects garbage, but it is incapacitated by lack of equipment and vehicles. We are in the process of privatising garbage collection. This process was underway when Mayor Nasser Sebaggala introduced a new proposal. We want to encourage residents to take part in garbage collection. We are debating a new proposal, where residents will pay sh200 or more for garbage collection.
What is the division doing to stop floods in the areas of Bwaise, Kalerwe and Kyebando?
This is a very big problem, which cannot be handled by the division alone. The division, or even Kampala City Council, lacks funds to stop floods. We need the involvement of the Government. The problem is made worse by the rapid population growth. Almost all water outlets are occupied by the huge population.
How will you solve the land problems in the division, including land that was grabbed by veterans at Wandegeya?
If somebody wants land, there are procedures that must be followed. These include approaching land owners, who are, in this case, the division and make a formal request. But the veterans did not do that. Although they have established a market, we do not recognise them.
Do you collect dues from them?
We do not collect any fee from them. Doing so would amount to recognising them. We reported the matter to the authorities and we are still waiting for their action.
Why are most roads in the division impassable?
Roads are a big challenge. We do not have a road unit. Kampala district has one tractor that is supposed to be used by all the four divisions. The tractor is in bad mechanical condition and it cannot work consistently on 2kms of road. I recently heard that the Government took over road management in the city, but I am yet to see them in Kawempe. Unless the Government comes out to assist us, we cannot effectively work on the roads.
Recently, Makindye division chairman Moses Kalungi denounced his town clerk and chased her away. How are you fighting corruption in Kawempe?
It is not easy to fight corruption. It has become even tougher after the Central Government recentralised the appointment of town clerks. We always condemn corruption. Perhaps if the Central Government is not listening, many of us will be forced to go the Kalungi way.
What is the way forward for
Kampala divisions?
The divisions should be made autonomous entities so that they receive direct funding from the Government.