The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kasese municipality has recorded an increase in local revenue collection over a period of ten years. While the district collected 650 million Shillings in 2011, the figure has since jumped to 1.2 billion Shillings by 2019, before taking a dive in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic paralysed the country.
Godfrey Kabyanga, the outgoing municipality mayor attributes the increase to the improved revenue base to markets, the taxi park, ground rent, royalties and local service tax.
Kabyanga says improved revenue collection has helped the municipality to start the construction of an administration block, improve town beautification, management of garbage and payment of administration costs.
Herbert Bwambale, a councillor representing Rukoki ward says the elevation of Kasese from a town council to a municipality meant improved government financing on social services that have in turn attracted investors and other local business persons.
Baluku adds that programs such as the Uganda Support to Municipality Infrastructure Development-USMID project have also improved infrastructure in the town and guided leaders on how to generate revenues and strengthen financial management.
Joab Bwambale, a hawker in town says that the new look of the town with improved structures and social amenities including electricity has attracted more people. These have put up small businesses including food vending that are charged a daily operation fee, he says.
Jovia Kyakimwa, a local trader in Kamaiba cell wants all the major roads upgraded and interlinked. She is also concerned about the poor waste management in the town despite increased revenue collections.
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