Summary:
- Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kamara acknowledged the multitude of political interests hindering the city’s progress.
KABALE: The operationalization of Kabale City is currently entangled in a web of unresolved issues that might threaten its future. At the heart of the dilemma lie unclear boundaries, egos clashing within local leadership, and the ever-present specter of gerrymandering.
Political interests further complicate the situation, with various factions vying for control and influence over the city’s future. These factors, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, have turned what should have been a milestone in urban development into a complex puzzle, leaving residents and stakeholders in a state of uncertainty.
The Ministry of Local Government’s recent announcement that Kabale, along with four other newly designated cities, will not be operationalized in the upcoming 2025/2026 financial year has only added fuel to the fire. With political maneuvering at play, the delay raises questions about the true motivations behind the decision.
The decision affects the five regional cities approved by Parliament in 2020 that include Kabale, Moroto, Wakiso, Nakasongola, and Entebbe.
What should have been a moment of progress now stands as a symbol of political gridlock, as local leaders continue to battle over control, while the city’s residents are left in limbo.
Sam Arineitwe, the LC3 Chairman for the Central Division in Kabale Municipality, emphasized that political interests must be set aside for the city’s operationalization to become a reality.
“Unless local leaders get involved on the ground and clear city boundaries are established, achieving city status will remain a dream,” Arineitwe said.
The Wakiso Deputy RDC Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha, called for fairness in determining city boundaries. He proposed using a standardized radius prescribed by the Ministry of Local Government to ensure equity.
CUE IN DRDC KAMUGISHA…..ON THE ISSUE………ENG//
The Rubanda District LC5 Chairman Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, warned that Kabale City would not be operationalized if its boundaries are not clearly defined.
“If the city is merely a strategic tool to create political positions for certain individuals, it will fail,” Kasyaba cautioned.
CUE IN KASYABA……ON THE CITY ISSUE…….RR//
The Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kamara acknowledged the multitude of political interests hindering the city’s progress.
“Political noise must settle before the city can be realized,” he stated. Kamara proposed dialogue and planning, suggesting that the city’s operationalization could occur after the 2026 elections. “Let’s dialogue as much as possible. The city will likely be realized in 2026 or 2027, when political tensions have subsided,” he added.
The Kabale District Woman MP, Hon. Catheline Atwakiire Ndamira, condemned the politicization of Kabale City’s operationalization.
“Some people are using the city issue to advance their political agendas, which is wrong,” she said.
She urged patience, stating that Parliament passed the city without political noise and it would be operationalized at an appropriate time.
CUE IN HON ATWAKIIRE…..ON POLITICAL INTERESTS……RR//
However, Raphael Magezi, the Minister of Local Government, assured stakeholders that his ministry is working to resolve the demarcation issues.
“We aim to avoid future conflicts regarding city boundaries by addressing these concerns now,” Magezi stated.
CUE IN MINISTER MAGEZI….ON BOUNDARIES……..ENG//
