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Ben Kumumanya
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By Our Reporter
Parliament - The Ministry of Local Government has proposed UGX 35.2Bn to purchase vehicles for 176 Local Government Chairpersons and Mayors, aiming to enhance their mobility and efficiency in monitoring government programs. An additional UGX 30Bn is requested for supervising the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The proposal was presented by Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, during a parliamentary session on the 2025/26 National Budget Framework Paper. Kumumanya emphasized that the Constitution mandates local leaders to monitor programs, but many lack functional vehicles, with the last procurement occurring in 2014/15.
Lawmakers supported the request, citing poor service delivery due to inadequate transportation. Pius Wakabi (Bugahya County) noted that leaders often resort to using vehicles meant for critical sectors like health and water, while Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East) highlighted the poor condition of district vehicles.
During the meeting, Susan Amero (Amuria DWR) called for educational qualifications for local council leaders, arguing that some lack basic literacy, hindering their ability to supervise programs like PDM. Wakabi suggested mandatory training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) for aspiring leaders.
Kumumanya also requested UGX 22.7Bn to clear arrears and UGX 16.35Bn to construct office blocks for 139 Sub-Counties affected by the creation of new Town Councils.
For the 2025/26 budget, the Ministry has been allocated UGX 201.455Bn, a reduction from the current UGX 225.826Bn. By December 2024, only 22.1% of the budget had been released, with a 48.3% absorption rate.
Torch Media Africa
