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 operational.
The decision was made during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Thursday, 7 August 2025. MPs were informed that many of the cities established in 2020 and 2021 still face significant operational challenges. The 10 existing cities are Arua, Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Mbale, and Masaka (all activated on 1 July 2020), as well as Hoima, Lira, and Soroti (activated on 1 July 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,” Dr. Bwanika emphasized.
The committee also called on the government to enact specific legislation to govern city administration or amend the Local Government Act to provide a clear legal and governance framework for cities.
The report highlighted several challenges, including inadequate funding, understaffing, lack of sufficient road equipment, and shortage of office space. In some cities, facilities are still being shared with parent districts, leading to conflicts.
For example, in Gulu, some city departments operate from district offices due to lack of space, while in Mbarara, part of the city’s office space has been rented to a private entity.
Disparities in staffing and pay were also noted. Sub-county chairpersons earn Shs400,000 per month, sub-county councillors Shs35,000, while municipal, city, and district councillors earn Shs250,000 before tax. City and district chairpersons earn Shs2 million per month, and 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,” Minister Magyezi stated.
