Cabinet sitting on Monday has approved the creation of 31 more counties. This brings the total number of new counties to 46.
While addressing the press at Uganda Media Centre, State Minister for ICT & National Guidance Peter Ogwang, said that cabinet approved the creation of 31 more counties following a request from several MPs during the plenary sitting early this month.
Among the new counties that Cabinet approved on Monday include; 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.
In June, cabinet approved the creation of 15 counties. The counties 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.
However, the debate on the 15 new counties was deferred after MPs demanded that the Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi considers more requests for new counties. Magyezi requested for 3 weeks to harmonize the list of new counties.
This week, Parliament will now have the final say on the creation of new counties in accordance with the Constitution of Uganda. Article 179 of Constitution allows Parliament to alter the boundaries of districts; and create new districts. The law stipulates that any measure to alter the boundary of a district or to create a new district shall be supported by a majority of all the members of Parliament.
