EDITOR
Leaders in Ntungamo district have urged the government to reconsider the formula for funding local governments. They argue that allocating funds to districts without considering population sizes is creating challenges, particularly for larger districts.
During the National Planning Authority’s popularization of the 5-year national plan at the district council hall on Wednesday, both civil servants and politicians highlighted that the current funding model, which is based on district characteristics, has hindered the successful implementation of key programs like PDM, as resources allocated to larger districts fail to adequately address local needs.
Elijah Atuhaire, the District Secretary for Finance and Administration, emphasized that unless the government adjusts the formula to allocate resources based on population, terrain, and the area of coverage, funding would remain more political than developmental.
Several speakers also called on the planning authority to consider political planning, particularly during government transitions.
Judith Mutabazi, the NPA team leader, acknowledged that while the planning authority develops sound plans, their implementation is often hindered by implementers who disregard the national plan in favor of personal preferences. She expressed frustration but urged for patience in addressing these challenges.
