The Ntungamo District Council has proposed splitting the district into three smaller administrative units to improve service delivery, citing challenges posed by its large size and stretched resources.
The district currently comprises five constituencies, 34 sub-counties and town councils, 135 parishes, and 1,033 villages.
Dennis Muhumuza Savimbi, Itojo Sub-county councillor, said residents continue to face disadvantages compared to smaller districts.
“Ntungamo is one of the largest districts in Uganda. Whatever is given to Sheema, Rubirizi, or Ibanda is equivalent to what is given to Ntungamo in terms of service," he said.
"We look at the road sector, the quarter system in education, health, PDM. If we could get three districts out of Ntungamo, we could work out some of these hiccups that hinder service delivery."
Benard Ahabwe Mukasa, councillor for Ruhama Sub-county, noted that the council has long advocated for a split.
“As the council of Ntungamo District, it’s not the first time that we are resolving to divide Ntungamo District into other districts. In 2017, we had the same resolution and we were invited to State House by the president to talk about the same,” he recalled.
Some critics argue the push is politically motivated, but councillors insist the proposal is aimed purely at improving administration and access to services.
The debate also features prominently among aspirants for the LC5 seat.
John Kabeeho Kigungu pledged to prioritize unserved areas, saying, “Looking into areas with no services, I will try to ensure Ntungamo is divided appropriately.”
Naboth Mpirirwe highlighted financial limitations, noting, “The money from the central government is not enough for our people.”
The council hopes that creating smaller districts will ease administration, strengthen monitoring, and ensure that residents access health, education, and infrastructure services more efficiently.
