Jinja District relocates headquarters to Kagoma
Jinja District chairperson Titus Kisambira (in yellow) addresses residents during the ground breaking ceremony of the district headquarters at Kagoma County on Tuesday. Above is the artistic impression of the offices. PHOTO BY TAUSI NAKATO
Jinja- Jinja District headquarters has finally been relocated to Kagoma County in Buwenge Sub-county, a distance of 21 kilometres using the Kamuli highway.
The transfer follows the elevation of Jinja Municipality to a city.
The resolution to relocate the headquarters from Busoga Square in the city centre to Kagoma, on the peripheries of Jinja Town, was passed in December 2007 by the district council, but had endured criticism from a section of leaders opposing the move.
On February 28, a section of councillors were involved in a fracas after failing to agree on the relocation.
However, on Tuesday, the district leadership led by the LC5 chairperson, Mr Titus Kisambira, and the chief administrative officer, Mr William Kanyesigye, launched the construction of the offices amid cheers from residents.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Mr Kisambira said since Jinja has attained city status, the district headquarters cannot co-exist with the city in the same place.
Mr Kisambira said the two-storeyed buildings, which will be completed in two years, will cost Shs2.9b.
He added: “We shall have the main building, a 100-seater council hall, an auditorium, offices for Members of Parliament, an executive boardroom, committee room, public gallery and parking yard.’’
Mr Kisambira said Buyengo, Namaganga, Kagoma, Magamaga and Namagera-Lubanyi will become soon Town councils.
Walukuba-Masese Division councillor Richard Mbaziira said they are appealing to government to elevate Buwenge Sub-county where the headquarters has been relocated to a Municipality because funding will increase hence improved services.
The development has, however, been met with criticism from a section of residents and leaders. Bugembe Town Council councillor David Isabirye said he disagrees with the relocation of the district headquarters because ‘all the services are within town’.
