A cross section of Ugandans have given varying views on the government decision to elevate to city status five towns including Nakasongola, Moroto, Kabale, Entebbe and Wakiso, beginning the next financial year, but on the average majority of those interviewed are in support of the move.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Buvuma Member of Parliament, Robert Migadde Ndugwa clarified that the decision was preceded by thoroughly thought out and planned consideration, taking into account the need for better services and employment opportunities for Ugandans.
Migadde, a professional physical planner, observed that under whatever circumstances, people need services, clean water, schools, agreeable health facilities, roads and other social infrastructure, and that once prior budgeting has been made, new cities cannot be a liability to taxpayers.
He noted that benefits of new cities may not be immediately seen by the present generation, but that they will certainly benefit those to come. “Today we are enjoying the benefits of facilities planned long ago and unless there are quite clearly visible mistakes like planning for buses where there are no bus lanes, we should all be supportive,” he added.
He was echoed by the fellow MP representing Bukooli County North, Stephen Bakka Mugabi who advised Ugandans to take the example of new cities like Mbale, Masaka and Mbarara, whose beauty, cleanliness and infrastructure set ups have greatly improved since they were elevated to the city status.
Bakka said it is easier to fight wetland encroachers in establishments like cities, than fighting the vice in other settings.
Mukono Central Division speaker, Allan Mawanda said no sensible person looking at development as an objective can oppose elevation of any town to city status, telling from the increased resources that come with the city by way of finances for development.
However, talking to Kyaggwe TV on the matter, the head of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University (UCU) John Semakula slightly differed from the above officials when he observed that on the average, local people have not adequately benefited from upcoming cities because he added, roads remain potholed, jobs are very few, and other services not available to all.
“Although new cities give rise to hope for a broader tax base, it is still the common Ugandan who bears the brunt of paying these taxes,” he noted.
Semakula however expressed the hope that with proper legislation put in place, things like seeing chicken houses and churches being constructed in city centres may be checked.
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