The government has decided to suspend the creation and operationalisation of new administrative units, including regional cities, in an effort to safeguard critical social services.
The announcement was made by State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi during a Parish Development Model sensitisation meeting at Hamuhambo Town Council in Rubanda District on Thursday.
According to Minister Musasizi, who also serves as the Rubanda East MP, the cabinet reached this resolution on December 16, 2024, citing financial constraints as the primary reason.
The government concluded that establishing additional administrative units would strain resources needed for essential services like road construction, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation initiatives.
“I hear that some people are organising a meeting to discuss the operationalisation of Kabale City. I want to tell you that such a meeting will not alter the cabinet resolution. I urge you not to waste your time attending it,” Minister Musasizi cautioned.
The minister’s remarks came in response to reports of an upcoming meeting in Kabale District, where individuals were allegedly mobilising locals from Rubanda to demand the operationalisation of Kabale City.
Musasizi warned against these efforts, urging organisers to stop spreading confusion and to respect Rubanda District’s autonomy.
Musasizi further criticised politicians advocating for Kabale City’s operationalisation, accusing them of prioritising personal interests over the well-being of citizens.
He underscored the government’s focus on improving social services and poverty alleviation programs rather than establishing new administrative structures.
“If you want to contest, prepare yourself, present your case to the electorate, and convince them to choose you for any of the existing political offices. Pressuring the government to carve out new political units for your benefit will not work,” Musasizi declared.
The decision impacts five regional cities approved by Parliament in 2020—Kabale, Moroto, Wakiso, Nakasongola, and Entebbe—that have yet to be operationalised due to funding challenges.
Additionally, the 10 regional cities already in operation - Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja, and Mbale - are reportedly struggling to function effectively because of inadequate funding.
Minister Musasizi emphasised the government’s commitment to prioritising service delivery over expanding administrative boundaries. “Our focus is poverty alleviation and improving lives, not spreading resources too thin by creating new cities,” he reiterated.
As 2025 approaches, the question of whether Kabale will be upgraded to city status remains unanswered.
While the local push for city status persists, the government’s current stance indicates a focus on consolidating resources to bolster existing services and administrative units.
This development signals the government’s determination to balance fiscal responsibility with the delivery of public services, a move likely to spark further debate across affected districts.