Kampala to expand to Entebbe, Kira
May 12, 2009
KAMPALA will comprise parts of Entebbe municipality and Kira town council in Wakiso district following its takeover by the Government.
By Herbert Ssempogo
KAMPALA will comprise parts of Entebbe municipality and Kira town council in Wakiso district following its takeover by the Government.
Local government state minister Perez Ahabwe yesterday said consultations with authorities of the two towns were ongoing, but he did not name the exact parts to be annexed.
Ahabwe, flanked by his principal assistant secretary, Joseph Esonyu and Media Centre boss Fred Opolot, told reporters that the MPs would soon discuss a Bill on the Government’s plan.
The Cabinet had passed the Bill and forwarded it to the parliamentary council for ‘fine-tuning’, Ahabwe said at a press conference in Kampala yesterday.
Kampala, he said, would also acquire a new name and have a metropolitan physical planning authority.
Ahabwe was reacting to recent media reports in which Progressive Party President Bidandi Ssali claimed that the take-over was a ploy to grab land.
“No one will lose land,†he said, adding that the take-over was in accordance with the Constitution.
“This is not a new proposal. The Constitution requires the Government to make laws for the administration of Kampala,†Ahabwe said.
He said the move would not stop elected leaders from exercising their powers, adding that the mayor would liaise with an official appointed by the Government.
Ahabwe said the Government was taking over management of the city to avoid political interference in its running.
The new boundaries will leave out the Buganda cultural sites, he added.
“There will be public hearings during which interest groups will make their input,†he said, adding that the proposed Mengo municipality would cater for the kingdoms interests.
KAMPALA will comprise parts of Entebbe municipality and Kira town council in Wakiso district following its takeover by the Government.
Local government state minister Perez Ahabwe yesterday said consultations with authorities of the two towns were ongoing, but he did not name the exact parts to be annexed.
Ahabwe, flanked by his principal assistant secretary, Joseph Esonyu and Media Centre boss Fred Opolot, told reporters that the MPs would soon discuss a Bill on the Government’s plan.
The Cabinet had passed the Bill and forwarded it to the parliamentary council for ‘fine-tuning’, Ahabwe said at a press conference in Kampala yesterday.
Kampala, he said, would also acquire a new name and have a metropolitan physical planning authority.
Ahabwe was reacting to recent media reports in which Progressive Party President Bidandi Ssali claimed that the take-over was a ploy to grab land.
“No one will lose land,†he said, adding that the take-over was in accordance with the Constitution.
“This is not a new proposal. The Constitution requires the Government to make laws for the administration of Kampala,†Ahabwe said.
He said the move would not stop elected leaders from exercising their powers, adding that the mayor would liaise with an official appointed by the Government.
Ahabwe said the Government was taking over management of the city to avoid political interference in its running.
The new boundaries will leave out the Buganda cultural sites, he added.
“There will be public hearings during which interest groups will make their input,†he said, adding that the proposed Mengo municipality would cater for the kingdoms interests.