Mpigi District Leaders Advocate for Municipality Status to Boost Development

Leaders in Mpigi District are championing a move to upgrade Mpigi Town Council, Kammengo Sub-county, Buwama Town Council, and Buwama sub-county to municipality status. The decision, reached unanimously by the district council, aims to accelerate urban development, enhance service delivery, and attract investment.

This proposal stems from the significant population growth in the area, largely driven by its strategic location along the Kampala-Masaka highway and the expansion of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. Officials believe achieving municipality status will unlock greater funding opportunities and facilitate better planning for essential services like infrastructure, health, and education.

District representatives highlighted that the current town council status is no longer adequate for the burgeoning population, estimated at over 120,000 people. They emphasized that the elevation is crucial for improved urban management, including better roads, drainage systems, and organized planning to accommodate future growth.

Residents have largely welcomed the proposal, expressing hopes for improved services such as roads, sanitation, and waste management. However, they have urged leaders to ensure that the benefits reach ordinary citizens and cautioned against the imposition of heavy taxes on small businesses.

The application process for municipality status requires meeting various criteria, including a substantial population, a solid revenue base, and the capacity to provide key urban services. The next steps involve technical assessments and consultations with the Ministry of Local Government, followed by approval from Cabinet and Parliament.

This article is based on information from the Daily Monitor.