MICHAEL N
Town councils in Ntungamo District have been praised for their outstanding contribution to the area’s growth and transformation.
The growth and development of these town councils has largely been attributed to improved agricultural production and the presence of major highways connecting the district to neighboring areas, including the busy Mbarara–Kabale and Ntungamo–Rukungiri roads.
Speaking to our reporter, the Ntungamo District Chief Administrative Officer, Kiza Fedelis, said town councils have played a significant role in reducing rural-urban migration through planned development and extension of essential services.
He noted that town councils have improved infrastructure through road maintenance, construction of public buildings, and creation of employment opportunities for town clerks, planners and other civil servants — empowering residents to earn a living.
Kiza further explained that town councils have enhanced garbage management and beautification of urban centers, while also providing ready markets for agricultural produce such as bananas, fruits and vegetables. He clarified that revenue collected by town councils is retained locally and mainly allocated to road maintenance and service delivery.
The Speaker of Nyamunuka Town Council, Yasin Katafa Byamukama, who is also the Youth Councillor and Mayor-elect, acknowledged that town councils operate as independent political units.
He said they collect taxes from the business community and budget according to council priorities. According to Yasin, town councils have helped reduce migration to larger towns while extending services such as improved health facilities, water supply and electricity to residents and businesses.
Ntungamo Sub-county LC5 Councillor, Hon. Naboth Mpiridwe, highlighted revenue generated from micro-industries including maize and millet milling factories. He added that some town councils have attracted large-scale investments, citing Inspire Coffee Africa in Rwashamaire and Rwamwiru in Ruhaama, which employ hundreds of people.
Rwahi–Rwentobo Town Council Town Clerk, Bright Joga, emphasized that the activities of town councils are supervised and monitored by district stakeholders to ensure proper performance and accountability in tax utilization.
Rubaare Town Council LC5 Councillor, Hon. Chrispus Mwesigwa Mwesigye, said revenue collection in Rubaare is higher compared to most sub-counties. He attributed this to population growth, investment priorities, ready markets and improved infrastructure that generate substantial revenue.
Ntungamo District was established on 5th May 1993 after being carved out of Mbarara and Bushenyi districts. Over the years, it has continued to expand its administrative units, creating more sub-counties and town councils to foster development.
Currently, the district has 22 sub-counties and 12 town councils. Early town councils that evolved from major trading centres include Rwashamaire, Kitwe, Rwamabondo and Rubaare.
Between 2018 and 2019, further local government expansions led to the elevation of additional trading centres including Kagarama, Nyamunuka, Kafunjo-Mirama, Rwoho, Nyamukana, Rwahi–Rwentobo, Ruhaama, Nyakyera and Kakukuru–Rwenanura into town councils — further strengthening service delivery and local economic development in the district.
