EDITOR
The National Planning Authority (NPA) is in the final stages of drafting the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV) and has engaged various stakeholders to gather insights and recommendations. Speaking at the consultation, Muwanguzi JB Abraham from NPA highlighted the plan’s focus on digital transformation, private sector development, sustainable urbanization, and justice administration.
Grace Bwengye, Head of Agriculture Planning, emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing local communities and driving socio-economic transformation. “The NDPIV seeks to ensure inclusive growth and development by addressing the unique needs of local communities,” she noted.
Fr. Gerald Abenayezu urged the government to enhance service delivery by improving healthcare facilities and addressing over-taxation of citizens. Similarly, Kanungu Town Council Mayor, Godfrey Karabenda, called for the decentralization of local government revenue to allow districts like Kanungu to retain more funds for development projects.
Concerns over the struggling tea sector were raised by Jotham Musinguzi, Manager at Kayonza Growers Tea Factory, who cited a lack of regulation and poor quality control as major issues. He urged the government to intervene by improving standards and exploring new markets for tea exports.
Participants also voiced frustrations over frequent electricity outages, which have disrupted trade and deterred investment in Kanungu. In response, NPA officials assured the gathering that these concerns would be forwarded to the relevant authorities.
Atuhaire Innocent, Kanungu’s District Planner, pledged to strengthen coordination with the central planning authority to ensure effective implementation of development programs. Meanwhile, Magara Deus, District Secretary for Production, appealed for increased funding for Kanungu, describing it as a “special hard-to-reach district.” He further recommended providing transportation for commercial officers to better execute government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to integrating stakeholder feedback into the NDPIV to ensure the plan addresses pressing local and national development challenges.
