Yesterday, 5th December 2024, Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA) held its Swearing in ceremony for the incoming Executive members at its National Headquarters at Najjanankumbi and held its 3 day orientation and Induction retreat at Eureka Place Hotel Ntinda, among the new leaders is the Lwengo District Boss, Mr Ibrahim Kitatta.
New President: Mr. Awany Andrew Moses
Regional Vice Presidents: Hon. CPA Kitatta Ibrahim Almalik for Central, Hon. Okuonzi Alfred for Northern Region, Hon. Evelyne Chebet for Eastern Region, Hon. Lochaale Felix Mark for Karamoja and, Hon. Atuhaire Deo for Western Region.
The Chief Guest at the induction retreat Mr.Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairperson Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) called upon the newly sworn in EXCOM to embrace knowledge seeking and Strategic Leadership in order to drive ULGA to greater heights.
In his Key note address, Mr Rwabwogo called on the new leaders to develop a sense of urgency if communities are to be transformed. He called on the EXCOM leaders to build their character, values, and integrity. Make use of government institutions, lead from the front, and carry their people forward
Rwabwogo challenged the new leaders to have an infinite style of leadership focusing on causes that stretch far beyond their lives and short terms of office but cautioned them that this is only possible if courageous, selfless, value-led trustworthy teams are built.
What You Need To Know:
A month ago, Kitatta was elected the Buganda Region ULGA President.
Kitatta promised to Unite Leaders , Tackle Pressing Issues as Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) for the Buganda Region and Lwengo LC5 District Chairperson, has pledged to unite local government leaders across party lines to address pressing challenges. Kitatta, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, replaced Muhangi, the District Chairperson for Lyantonde, in elections that were held in Kampala.
In his remarks, Kitatta acknowledged the factions created by the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) which has majority of the leaders in Central Local Governments and NRM but emphasized the need to put aside political differences to tackle common issues.
He highlighted the dire state of roads, outdated machinery, and insufficient resources, which have led to increased pressure from communities demanding better services.
Kitatta also drew attention to the education sector, where dilapidated schools struggle to cope with growing populations. He said the shortage of teachers is particularly alarming, especially in primary schools , with hundreds of pupils without instructors, compromising the quality of education and affecting poor parents who must seek private teachers to fill the gaps. He said this affects the realization of the government policy on education which calls for one teacher to 50 pupils ratio.
Lwengo District Chairperson LC5 Ibrahim Kitatta being congratulated by the Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi(Right) in Kampala after being elected ULGA Vice President for Buganda Region.
Additionally, Kitatta stressed the need for improved piped water systems in rural areas, currently managed at the central level, leaving local governments unable to provide clean running water, putting people at risk of preventable diseases
To address these challenges, Kitatta called for greater engagement between the President of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and local government leaders. He noted that LC1 chairpersons receive only 10,000 shillings despite their substantial workload, while LC5 Chairpersons are also underpaid and lack resources, including vehicles, to monitor government programs more so when the country is entering an election year.
Unlike other leaders in the country, local government leaders, who travel extensively to monitor government programs, have been struggling with transportation for four years since their election in 2021. Despite their critical role in ensuring service delivery, they were not provided with vehicles, forcing them to rely on their private vehicles. This has led to instances like Kitatta being stranded on the road multiple times due to mechanical issues with his old Personal Vehicle.
According to Kitatta, his priorities as ULGA President for the Buganda Region now include highlighting these pressing issues to policymakers, such as MPs, NRM Central Executive Committee and Ministers, to ensure they receive the President’s attention.
” Our duty is to highlight these issues and put them at the center of the policy makers such as MPs, NRM CEC, Ministers and we assume these issues haven’t been put before the President of Uganda for his kind attention and this is where we shall focus our voices to make sure that the issues that haven’t been heard , are heard at the center of power”, said Kitatta.
By doing so, Kitatta believes that he will be bridging the service delivery gap and advocate for structural changes beyond party affiliations.
Kitatta ‘s vision aligns with his maiden speech as Lwengo District Chairperson where he emphasized unity and representation for all people, regardless of religion, tribe, or political affiliation.
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