Councillors of Kyanamira Sub County have been urged to support the initiative of elevating Kabale Municipality to city status, as its opponents continue to challenge the proposal
This idea was highlighted today, Tuesday, by Senior Lawyer Dr. Akampumuza James Rutanga, a hopeful MP for Ndorwa East (2026–2031), during a council session at Kyanamira Sub County headquarters in Ndorwa East, Kabale District.
He urged councillors to discuss the issue of city status during their sessions, as it has become a frequent topic on social media. He emphasized the need for a final decision on whether Kabale Municipality will be elevated to city status.
Dr. James Rutanga noted that some individuals oppose the development of Kabale District into a city, despite the fact that many people would benefit, particularly through job creation. He pointed out that many residents of Kabale and neighbouring districts have educated their children, who are now in need of employment.
Dr. Rutanga reiterated that once Kabale attains city status, numerous job opportunities will arise.
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He also cautioned people to ignore rumours spread by opponents of Kabala’s city status, who claim that taxes will increase once the municipality becomes a city. He reminded them that development comes with both advantages and disadvantages, but it will ultimately lead to growth in the area.
Dr. Rutanga further added that landlords will benefit from increased rental income as property values rise with city development.
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Senior lawyer Dr. James Rutanga urged councillors to put aside politics and focus on development. He addressed critics who claim that cities created in 2019, including Kabale, have no funds, and said Kabale should follow the same path towards progress.
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In response to Dr. Rutanga’s comments on Kabale’s city status, Ms. Bridget Asinga asked her fellow councillors to appreciate Rutanga’s initiative in supporting Kyanamira’s inclusion in the city. She also prayed for his success in his political ambitions.
Asinga noted that while all councillors support Kabale Municipality’s elevation to city status, the issue lies in poor demarcations by previous leaders, leaving out key areas of Kabale and including some that don’t belong in the city.
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She hopes that the leadership of Kabale Municipality will engage the leadership of Kabale District in discussions regarding the city status and review the proposed demarcations, as Kabale Municipality is responsible for planning the city’s future development
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Speaker for Kyanamira Sub County council and other councillors from Kyanamira Sub County agreed with Dr. Rutanga’s views, believing that the city will spur development in Kabale District.
Kabale Municipality was listed in 2019 among the municipalities set to achieve city status by 2023, alongside Moroto, Masaka, Soroti, and Wakiso.
However, last year, Hon. Henry Musasizi told the people of Kabale Municipality to abandon hopes of achieving city status. He explained that ministry officials, after meeting President Museveni, agreed to halt the creation of more cities and administrative units. According to Musasizi, the creation of additional cities and units primarily benefits individuals politically rather than the community at large.
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