MPs reject funds for new districts
May 06, 2009
MPs on the budget committee yesterday refused to approve sh3.68b meant for the creation of new districts, municipalities and town councils.
By Cyprian Musoke
MPs on the budget committee yesterday refused to approve sh3.68b meant for the creation of new districts, municipalities and town councils.
They demanded for a list of the proposed districts that were supposed to be approved by Parliament.
Others argued that existing districts were under-funded and new ones were not able to collect enough revenue.
They asked for a feasibility study that had been done for the proposed new districts.
“It is intended that seven of the new districts take effect next financial year and five in 2010/11,†said Emma Boona, the local government and public service budgetary chairperson.
She said the proposal for 12 new districts came after requests from local government councils.
Sh367m was provided to upgrade Hoima, Mengo, Kasese and Mukono towns to municipalities.
Committee chairman Nathan Byanyim blamed some MPs for demanding for new districts.
He said the committee would invite the local government minister to justify their creation.
Lulume Bayiga (DP) said MPs had the mandate to advise the President on the creation of new districts.
Felix Okot (NRM) asked: “What if Parliament rejects their creation?â€
Cecilia Ogwal (Independent) said if the money was provided before the districts were approved, it would be embezzled.
MPs on the budget committee yesterday refused to approve sh3.68b meant for the creation of new districts, municipalities and town councils.
They demanded for a list of the proposed districts that were supposed to be approved by Parliament.
Others argued that existing districts were under-funded and new ones were not able to collect enough revenue.
They asked for a feasibility study that had been done for the proposed new districts.
“It is intended that seven of the new districts take effect next financial year and five in 2010/11,†said Emma Boona, the local government and public service budgetary chairperson.
She said the proposal for 12 new districts came after requests from local government councils.
Sh367m was provided to upgrade Hoima, Mengo, Kasese and Mukono towns to municipalities.
Committee chairman Nathan Byanyim blamed some MPs for demanding for new districts.
He said the committee would invite the local government minister to justify their creation.
Lulume Bayiga (DP) said MPs had the mandate to advise the President on the creation of new districts.
Felix Okot (NRM) asked: “What if Parliament rejects their creation?â€
Cecilia Ogwal (Independent) said if the money was provided before the districts were approved, it would be embezzled.