LOCAL GOVT LEADERS PUSH FOR BIGGER BUDGETS AND OFFICIAL TRANSPORT

NILE POST

Local government leaders in Uganda have renewed calls for increased budgetary support and the provision of official transport vehicles, arguing that inadequate funding is hindering effective service delivery.

These demands took center stage at the Annual General Meeting of district speakers held at Wakisha Resource Center in Wakiso District.

District speakers from across the country emphasized the need for greater financial support and logistical facilitation to improve governance at the grassroots level.

Gerald Twebaze, the Kamwenge District Speaker and Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) Speaker’s Representative for the Western Region, stressed the urgency of increasing budget allocations.

“Local governments receive less than 10% of the national budget, yet we are responsible for most service delivery at the grassroots. We need this figure raised to at least 30% if we are to perform our duties effectively,” Twebaze stated.

Leaders also called for official transport vehicles for district chairpersons, speakers, and chief administrative officers, saying the lack of mobility impedes their ability to monitor and supervise government programs.

“Without official vehicles, it becomes extremely difficult to ensure proper oversight of government projects in our districts. This directly affects service delivery,” Twebaze added.

Beyond budgetary concerns, speakers urged the government to increase salaries and allowances for local government political leaders, from LC1 chairpersons to district chairpersons.

They argued that current remuneration is inadequate to meet the demands of their offices.

“We dedicate ourselves to serving our people, yet we struggle to make ends meet. It is time for the government to prioritize the welfare of local leaders,” one of the speakers remarked.

They also pushed for higher ex gratia payments for district councillors, noting that many struggle to execute their roles due to limited financial incentives.

“Councillors are the link between the people and the government, but they are not well-facilitated. We need an increment in their allowances to enable them to serve better,” a representative urged.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who serves as the patron of the district speakers, pledged to advocate for their demands.

“I understand the challenges you face, and I will do my best to ensure that these issues are brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. Local governments are the backbone of service delivery, and they must be well-supported,” Among assured.

She underscored the importance of strengthening local government structures to enhance service efficiency.

“A well-facilitated local government system means better services for our people. We must work together to ensure that these concerns are addressed for the benefit of all Ugandans,” she added.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to engage Parliament and the Ministry of Finance on the need for increased budgetary allocations and logistical support.

As local government officials continue pushing for better facilitation, attention now turns to policymakers to respond to their demands.