Mwesigye promises to have only 62 districts

Independent presidential candidate Fred Mwesigye has promised to introduce reforms that will reduce the number of districts and constituencies to 62 with the aim of cutting down administrative costs if elected president in January next year.

Currently, there are 146 districts. According to his five-point manifesto, Mwesigye intends to reduce government expenditure, fight against corruption, good governance, ethics-based administration and socio-economic transformation.

He has promised to reduce the burden on the taxpayer by prohibiting non-essential travel for public servants, emphasising value for money in procurement, eliminating wasteful expenditure and encouraging the application of modern technology in conducting government business.

FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

He said his government would enforce the recommendations of the instituted commissions of inquiry.

He noted that Uganda is well endowed with rich legislation, which, if implemented, can thoroughly deal with the prevalent corruption.

Mwesigye promised to empower and re-organise the Inspectorate of Government, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Auditor General, the Judiciary and the Police, to enable them to execute their mandate.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

He noted that the effective realisation of the policies and intentions stipulated in this manifesto will largely depend on adherence to the principles of good governance.

VALUE AND ETHICS-BASED GOVERNMENT

Mwesigye has undertaken to establish a government that will inspire citizens' adoption and adherence and promote service above self. He has promised to promote values that will influence efficiency in service delivery based on the fear of God, hard work, equity, discipline, constitutionalism, tolerance and unity.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Mwesigye envisages to transform Uganda into an independent and self-sustainable nation, reduce the debt burden and develop a strong middle class with access to basic needs.

He said his government will allocate 15% of the national budget to the agriculture sector from the current 3.75%, establish an agricultural focused national television channel to sensitise and inform the public about the best agricultural practices and provide free and safe fertilisers and pesticides, seed varieties and animal breeds.

On education, Mwesigye's government intends to improve the quality of universal education through ensuring that all schools are well facilitated with academic materials, a good learning environment, sufficient nutrition and adequately motivated staff.

He promises to increase the salaries of teachers in public schools to a minimum of sh800,000 (for primary) and sh1m (for secondary). Others include promoting competitive sports within schools, regions and at a national level.