The leaders of Wakiso District, led by District Chairperson Dr. Matiya Lwanga Bwanika, have expressed gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Finance for disbursing unconditional funds to support the communities they serve.
These funds are intended to help reduce unnecessary debates in Parliament over matters that do not benefit Ugandans.
The leaders demonstrated their appreciation during a visit to Kiri Town Council, where they reviewed the council’s budget of over Shs 900 million for the 2025-2026 financial year. The funds will focus on improving livelihoods and road infrastructure to better serve the people.
The budget was presented by the district’s chief finance officer, Harriet Namaalwa, who explained that 70% of the funds will be collected from local revenue and other government sources, along with grants, as previously outlined.
During the visit, local leaders highlighted the challenges affecting their communities, including water shortages and poor road conditions due to limited funding from the government. However, they urged fellow leaders in the town council to set aside political differences and instead prioritize the development of the council and the maintenance of roads, as poor infrastructure has led to numerous accidents and fatalities.
In his remarks, Dr. Matiya Lwanga Bwanika, the Wakiso District Chairperson, criticized the Ministry of Finance’s method of allocating funds. He noted that only 9% of the national budget is directed toward projects that directly benefit ordinary citizens, making it difficult to implement meaningful development.
He also condemned the ongoing practice in Parliament where MPs divide Shs 100 billion among themselves, arguing that national funds should be allocated transparently to avoid misuse while essential services suffer.
Meanwhile, the town council’s chief auditor, Timothy Ssebayigga, discussed some of the key projects, including road expansion and the construction of new roads. He emphasized the need for proper planning, especially since they have already received funds for grading works.
Moses Agamba Bisaso, the town mayor, stressed the importance of utilizing the limited funds efficiently through community-driven approaches to support the people. He expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by the government, which has hindered progress and left many residents in distress despite the financial year coming to an end.
