Hon. Raphael Magyezi, the Minister of Local Government, has urged all local governments to remit their subscriptions to the Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA) to ensure the association operates effectively. This call was made during the ULGA Karamoja Regional Meeting held at Matany Girls Vocational Institute.
The focus of the meeting was on strengthening local economic development by implementing national programs and policies.
ULGA Secretary General, Mr. Richard Okuku, highlighted key achievements from collaborations with the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), various government agencies, and development partners.
He also presented a status report on past resolutions, which included demands for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to remit local government revenue shares annually, equitable allocation of road funds, and increased development grants.
During the meeting, leaders from Karamoja advocated for regional status and economic development, among other issues.
ULGA President Mr. Awany Moses reiterated key demands such as salary enhancements, communal land registration, and the expedited implementation of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF 4).
In response, Hon. Magyezi pledged to advocate for minerals and wealth-sharing mechanisms, prioritise health infrastructure, establish a tertiary institution in Karamoja, and create a regional economic council.
The minister committed to engaging with UWA and the Ministry of Lands to address ongoing boundary disputes and to secure additional funding for local administrative structures.
Furthermore, he announced a UGX 7 billion supplementary budget for ex-gratia payments, UGX 35.2 billion to provide vehicles for district leaders (district chairpersons and mayors), and the government’s plans to enhance salaries for both political and technical leaders.
Hon. Magyezi emphasised the need for transparency and accountability to protect decentralisation efforts.
Resolutions from the meeting urged the government to take action on Karamoja’s regional status, benefits from mineral resources, operationalising Moroto City, resolving land disputes, implementing education reforms, and advancing infrastructure development.
The ULGA Karamoja Regional Meeting took place at Matany Girls Vocational Institute.
The meeting was attended by former ULGA presidents, the commissioner for local council development at the Ministry of Local Government, Swizen Kinga Mugyema, district chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), speakers, sub-county chairpersons, senior assistant secretaries, representatives from the Ministry of Lands, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Ministry of Public Service, and officials from Centenary Bank.
