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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The newly elected Speaker of Kampala Capital City Authority-KCCA, Zahara Luyirika has expressed dismay over the low budget allocations to the authority during the budgeting process.
Speaking at City Hall after taking oath as KCCA speaker, Luyirika said it’s a disgrace that while the city is a central business area contributing almost 70% to the national budget, Kampala is allocated barely one percent of the National budget.
She says the budget allocated to KCCA is insufficient considering the contribution the City makes to the National Budget.
“On the side of business, our city is a central business area contributing almost 70% to the national budget, but it’s a disgrace to see that only 0.8% is being brought back to Kampala. This is insufficient and on this note, I implore our Members of Parliament to lobby for a bigger portion through the budget such that we attain our development agenda,” said Luyirika.
KCCA is running a five year strategic plan valued at over 7 trillion Shillings yet it’s annual budget allocation is less than Shillings 500 billion.
In her inaugural speech, Luyirika also reminded council members of their duty to promote good governance. She asked councilors to take note of the three core functions of representation, oversight and enacting subsidiary legislations for the proper management of the city, that they need to perform effectively.
Luyirika, a member of the National Unity Platform Party-NUP won yesterday’s election as Speaker with 43 votes against 8 votes that her opponent Shamim Awal Namusisi got.
Meanwhile, the City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago congratulated Luyirika upon her victory and her new office. He asked councilors to familiarize themselves with the rules of procedures and also have mutual respect with other leaders at City Hall.
He also asked the councilors including the speaker and deputy speaker to use their offices to serve the people of Kampala. Lukwago said since council is where resolutions are passed for implementation by the technical wing, council members should use it to pass relevant resolutions that shall benefit the people of Kampala.
Following the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the next major item in the first sitting to be convened by the new speaker is to have the executive constituted.
The executive committee consists of five members and headed by the Lord Mayor who is deputised by the Deputy Lord Mayor. It also has three members who are selected by the Lord Mayor from among the councilors and approved by the Council.
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