Kaliro District officials have renewed their call for presidential support to fulfil a long-standing promise made in 2008 for the construction of a new district headquarters.
Despite being carved out of Kamuli District in 2006, Kaliro has yet to establish a functional headquarters and continues to operate from scattered and inadequate facilities.
The district council, for instance, meets in a dilapidated structure with substandard seating and furnishings, reflecting broader infrastructural challenges.
Richard Bamukobeire, the district’s Vice Chairperson, expressed frustration over the unfulfilled promise.
“For 16 years, there has been no follow-up on the president’s pledge to build us a proper headquarters,” Bamukobeire said.
The district’s current leadership, under Dikusoka Elija Kagoda, is working with local revenue to make incremental improvements, but progress remains slow and the needs are vast.
This situation contrasts sharply with other districts established after Kaliro. For instance, Namisindwa and Bulambuli, which attained autonomy after Kaliro, have successfully constructed their district headquarters.
Their progress highlights the disparity in development and the challenges Kaliro faces in catching up.
In addition to the headquarters issue, Kaliro is struggling with a deteriorating road network.
Although the district has received Shs1 billion for road rehabilitation and an additional Shs230 million for infrastructure, the extensive network of over 500km remains a significant challenge.
Key roads, such as the Muli-Nansololo-Bulike-Nawaikoke route, are in poor condition, affecting connectivity and development.
The district’s leaders and residents are hopeful that renewed presidential attention will address both their infrastructural needs and road network issues.
“We appreciate the government’s recent funding efforts but urge for a comprehensive plan to address our most pressing challenges,” Bamukobeire added.
Kaliro District's ongoing struggle underscores the broader issue of equitable development and the urgent need for continued investment in Uganda’s emerging districts.