Tempers flare as Parliament Approves Creation of 46 New Counties

By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho

The Ugandan Parliament has on Thursday approved the creation of 46 new counties amidst demand by a section of MPs including Kampala Central Muhammad Nsereko who accuses the government of being inconsiderate in creating counties.

Muhammad Nsereko said that, in Uganda counties are created after loyalty or people kneeling before the president without following the true requirements pf creation of boundaries like statistics.

“How can a district with [30000] thirty thousand people have six MPs and whereas in Kampala and Wakiso areas counties are populated yet they are not considered in this new move of creating counties, he questions the yardstick used by government to create new counties…”Nsereko said.

Raphael Magyezi minister of Local Government tabled the motion for resolution of Parliament for creation of new counties under article 179 of the Constitution. 

The new counties as approved by Parliament are; Kiboga West, Buhweju West, Bugangaizi South, Chkwi East, Bulanda, Kwania North, Kagoma North, Buwekula South, Buyanja East, Ngariam, Agago West, Bukanga North, Bukimbiri and Nakaseke Central.

Others that have been approved by Parliament are; Kapir, Butiru, Kioga North, Bokora East, Napore West, Mawogola West, Otuke East, Ruhama East, Isingiro West, T’oo, Ochero, Soi, Namisindwa, Gweri, Pingire, Bunghoko Central, Aringa East, Kyaka Central, Ruhinda South, Bushigai, Gogonyo, Busiki North, West Budama North East, Maruzi North, Dodoth North, Rwampara East, Buhaguzi East, Nwoya East, Namayengo South, Elgon North and Samia-Bugwe South.

According to Deputy Attorney General Jack Kafuuzi, Uganda now has a total of 353 constituencies from the previous 296 constituencies.

These include new cities, 10 of which became operational in July 2020. Each city has 2 Divisions which are equivalent to Municipalities.