Published on 11/08/2025
Parliament has adopted the Government Assurances Committee report recommending the suspension of plans to grant city status to five municipalities until the current 10 cities are fully supported and functional.
The decision followed a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Thursday, 7 August 2025, during which MPs learned that many of the cities created in 2020 and 2021 still face operational challenges. The 10 existing cities include Arua, Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Mbale, Masaka (all activated on July 1, 2020), and Hoima, Lira, and Soroti (activated on July 1, 2021).
The report, authored by Committee Chairperson Dr. Abed Bwanika and Deputy Chairperson Joyce Bagala, urged the government to prioritise adequate and sustainable funding for the existing cities before elevating Entebbe, Moroto, Nakasongola, Kabale and Wakiso. “The government should ensure adequate and sustainable funding to the newly created cities before the remaining five take effect, so they can meet the demands and expectations of city status,” Mr Bwanika said.
The committee also directed government to introduce a specific law to govern city administration or alternatively amend the Local Government Act to provide a clear legal and governance framework for cities.
The report faulted government for inadequate funding, understaffing, insufficient road equipment, and lack of office space. In some areas, cities and their parent districts were found to be sharing facilities, causing constant conflict. For example, in Gulu, some city departments still operate from district offices due to lack of space, while in Mbarara, part of the city’s office space has been rented out to a private entity.
Staffing and pay disparities were also flagged. Sub-county chairpersons earn Shs400,000 per month, sub-county councillors earn Shs35,000, while municipal, city, and district councillors earn Shs250,000 before tax. City and district chairpersons earn Shs2 million per month, while speakers, deputies, and executive committee members earn between Shs300,000 and Shs600,000.
Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi welcomed the report and its recommendations, requesting 30 days to present a detailed action plan to Parliament. “We agree with the committee’s findings and fully embrace their recommendations. It is my considered opinion that you allow us to focus on implementation and report back in 30 days,” Mr Magyezi said.
