MUKONO | Mukono District is set to complete its long-delayed district headquarters after more than three decades of administrative setbacks and construction delays.
The district headquarters, initially intended to be a modern administrative hub, has remained unfinished for over 30 years.
District officials have had to work in dilapidated and overcrowded office spaces, facing issues like leaking roofs, bat infestations, and lack of privacy—all of which have hampered efficient service delivery.
The deteriorating condition of the current office spaces has prompted the district administration to secure Shs600 million in funding for the completion of the building.
Shs300 million of this funding comes from the Ministry of Finance, with another Shs300 million provided by the Ministry for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs.
The contract for the completion of the three-floor structure has been awarded to Savannah Engineering Works Uganda Limited.
Mukono District Chairperson Rev Peter Bakaluba Mukasa expressed gratitude to the central government for its intervention.
“For years, we have worked in an environment unfit for public service,” Bakaluba said.
“This marks a turning point. We expect enough space for both political and technical departments, and we will cut costs on office rentals. I will continue lobbying for additional funds to complete the council auditorium.”
District Engineer Herbert Lutwama highlighted the improvements that will come with the upgraded facility, including enhanced security features such as CCTV cameras, solar-powered lighting, and a 100,000-liter underground water tank.
These measures are intended to reduce the district’s utility costs. The building’s leaking roof will also be repaired as part of the renovation.
“We have long struggled with unreliable water supply, inadequate lighting, and poor sanitation due to water outages. These issues will finally be resolved,” Lutwama added.
Chief Administrative Officer Elizabeth Namanda confirmed that the funding for the project comes from both the World Bank, under the Infrastructure for Service Delivery (ISG) program, and contributions from the central government.
Namanda assured the public that the project will be completed within the current financial year.
Mukono Deputy RDC Hassan Kasibante hailed the initiative, emphasizing that the poor condition of the district headquarters had long been a source of embarrassment. “This is a milestone for Mukono. We thank the government, and we urge the district leadership to ensure the funds are used effectively.”
Residents and local stakeholders have welcomed the project, noting that the new facility will not only improve public service efficiency but also enhance Mukono’s profile as part of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Mukono District, which was formerly known as East Mengo following the 1967 abolition of the Buganda Kingdom and later renamed Kyagwe in 1974, officially became Mukono District in 1980.