Arua, Mbarara, Gulu are Amongst the 15 New Cities the Parliament of Uganda has Approved Today. What Does It Mean Economically and Politically?.

                     The Parliament of Uganda.             

Minister of State for Mineral Development, Sarah Opendi denying the Passing of the New Cities.

Tororo District Woman MP who is also the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Sarah Opendi has stood out as the only legislator that has voted rejecting the passing of new cities in the country.

Parliament has since Tuesday morning held plenary session which was dedicated to the passing of new cities after a motion for the alteration of boundaries was passed in December, 2019.

Last year, Parliament would not cast a vote on the creation of the said cities since it fell short of the required number of legislators of over 223 members.

However, on realising quorum, the Speaker today went ahead to administer the vote where members would openly stand and announce their vote.

A total of 325 members participated in the exercise however only 313 votes were considered since twelve members voted through Mobile phone.

On reading the final results, the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga noted that of the 313 votes cast, only one vote was recorded as a No to the motion while 312 voted Yes to passing of cities.

During the voting process, Hon. Opendi noted that she could not vote in support of creation of new cities when the country is bound to face serious economic challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Opendi argued that it is not right for Parliament to consider creation of new cities without first knowing the economic implication of COVID-19 to the country’s economy.

“We had to borrow 600m Euros to finance our budget for this financial year, I vote No,” Opendi said.

Parliament has thus passed 15 new cities in the country which will take effect in a phased manner starting in the next Financial year beginning July 1, 2020.

EFFECTING THE NEW CITIES IN UGANDA.

Each City will have 2 Divisions.

Each Division will have its own MP and then the City will have a Woman MP.

Only Jinja City will have 3 Divisions and thus 3 Constituency MPs

IN YEAR 2020;

Mbarara 

Jinja 

Fort Portal 

Arua 

Gulu

Mbale

Masaka.

IN YEAR 2021;

Hoima

Lira 

Soroti.

IN YEAR 2022;

Entebbe.

IN YEAR 2023;

Moroto

Nakasongola 

Kabale 

Wakiso