Today, Wednesday, July 1, 2020 marks the beginning of operationalisation of the five municipalities that were approved by Parliament in April.
They begin operating under strained financial conditions as the country prepares for 2021general elections.
Arua, Jinja, Mbarara, Gulu Mbale, Masaka and Fort Portal are now cities and they will need to invest billions of shillings for service delivery building infrastructure.
According to Minister for Local Government Raphael Magyezi, sections of political leaders threatening to fail the commencement of new cities through a court injunction.
“Ministry of Local government made public the guidelines for the operationalisation of the cities clearing away the fears of cutting short the term of office to which the current political leadership was elected.” He said
According to guidelines, the interim mayor shall continue serving in the capacity in the division in which the city headquarters is situated.
The interim mayor shall also appoint interim deputy mayor, interim executive council composed of five members who will include; the mayor, his deputy, and three secretaries. The mayor shall carry on the roles of speaker and deputy speaker.
