Though the creation of new districts may mean an obvious increase in the level of public expenditure on the side of government, Uganda Members of Parliament have suggested that the government could create new districts but ensure that the creation of these new districts does not cause as much increase on public expenditure from government.
On July 1st, 2010, the number of districts has now shot up to over 110 districts following the approval of the new districts that were created by the government. Hardly 15 years ago, Uganda had only 39 districts which number has almost tripled in the subsequent years.
Frank Tumwebaze
The Member of Parliament for Kibale, Frank Tumwebaze has told Parliament that there is no problem with government creating more districts because this is a way of extending services nearer to the people of Uganda. However, the MP says the government of Uganda could create more districts and still not incur as much expenditure on the running of new districts.
He says for instance not every district created should be allowed to have public officials like the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) among others. Tumwebaze who is a National Resistance Movement leaning MP says one RDC can administer about 5 districts and thus save the government from having to pay five or RDCs to administer the five districts. Most districts have two to three RDCs who represent the President in that district and are in charge of security.
Tumwebaze says if the government can adopt this method of public governance, the creation of more districts will not increase public expenditure as much.
Among others, every district in Uganda must have a district Chairperson, district Speaker, Resident District Commissioner, a Woman MP representing the district in Parliament, Chief Administrative officer and a host of administrative staff.
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By Zacharia Tiberindwa, Ultimate Media