news 7 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kisoro Councillors Demand Allowance Hike to Shs1 Million Due to Rugged Terrain
Elected officials in Kisoro District are advocating for a significant increase in their allowances, from Shs150,000 to Shs1 million per sitting, citing the extreme costs associated with navigating the district's challenging mountainous terrain and poor road networks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kisoro-councillors-seek-shs1m-allowance-up-from-shs150-000-due-to-tough-terrain-5623438
Kisoro District councillors have publicly called for a substantial increase in their allowances, arguing that the current Shs150,000 provided for each district council sitting is insufficient to cover the expenses incurred due to the region’s difficult geography.
The southwestern district is characterized by its high altitude and mountainous landscape, where roads often become impassable during the rainy season, making travel for official duties a costly endeavor.
During a recent induction training organized by the Ministry of Local Government, councillors highlighted specific challenges. Merab Winnie Tumwesigye, representing Kirundo and Rubuguri Town Council, described how floods can sever road access, forcing her to hire a boat to attend meetings and conduct monitoring. She noted that the Shs50,000 allocated for monitoring government programs often falls far short of the actual costs for travel to areas like Nyarusiza, Kanaba, and Murora, sometimes requiring her to use personal or family funds.
Philip Ntacyotugira, the district councillor for the elderly, warned that inadequate financial support could make councillors vulnerable to corruption, as they might be tempted by individuals seeking to influence decisions. He specifically mentioned the monitoring of the Parish Development Model (PDM) as an area where such a lack of facilitation could compromise oversight.
Methodius Arineitwe, representing Nyanamo Town Council, proposed an increase to at least Shs1 million per sitting for those representing remote areas, noting that he travels over 30 kilometers to attend meetings and spends a significant portion of his current allowance on transportation alone. Councillors also face pressure from constituents to contribute to social events, assuming they have substantial incomes.
While the Ministry of Local Government acknowledged the limited facilitation for local council leaders and assured that improvements would be made, officials also urged councillors to prioritize service delivery and the fight against corruption. They emphasized the importance of increasing local revenue, as a portion of councillors’ allowances is funded by locally collected taxes.