By Diana.N.Kintu
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has fulfilled a significant pledge to local government leaders by handing over 176 brand-new vehicles, a move aimed at enhancing oversight and accelerating development programmes across Uganda. The handover ceremony, held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, marked the distribution of vehicles valued at 35.2 billion shillings, underlining the government’s commitment to empowering leaders at all levels of local administration.
The vehicles were distributed to a wide spectrum of local government leaders, ensuring broad coverage for effective monitoring and supervision of development initiatives nationwide. Among the beneficiaries, 135 District Chairpersons received new vehicles, alongside 10 City Mayors and 31 Municipal Leaders. The strategic allocation is intended to enable these leaders to travel more efficiently across their jurisdictions, improving oversight of critical national programmes.
Speaking at the event, officials emphasised that the vehicles are a practical tool to strengthen local governance, facilitate transparency, and enhance service delivery. The handover comes at a time when several government programmes, including the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Road Fund, require close supervision to ensure proper implementation. The vehicles will also support the monitoring of other key initiatives such as the Youth Livelihood Programme, Women Entrepreneurship Programme, and various regional development projects that are central to promoting local economic growth.
Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, who represented the Prime Minister at the ceremony, commended the leaders for their dedication but stressed the importance of accountability. “These vehicles are official resources provided to bring government services closer to the people. They are not personal assets and should be used responsibly for their intended purpose,” he said. Minister Magyezi further instructed that the older vehicles previously used by District Chairpersons, Mayors, and Municipal Leaders be formally handed over to the respective Speakers of the local councils, a move designed to bolster the operational capacity of these councils.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, echoed the call for responsible use of the vehicles. He highlighted that the cars should facilitate on-the-ground supervision of government projects, support local revenue mobilisation, and ensure that development programmes translate into tangible benefits for communities. “These vehicles are a critical resource for leaders to actively engage with citizens, oversee project implementation, and ensure that government interventions achieve meaningful results,” Kumumanya said.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to decentralise service delivery, strengthen local oversight, and improve the efficiency of public programmes. By providing leaders with the means to travel efficiently across districts and municipalities, the government aims to reduce bureaucratic delays, enhance accountability, and ensure that development projects reach the intended beneficiaries.
Analysts note that empowering local leaders with mobility is likely to accelerate the implementation of the Parish Development Model, which is a cornerstone of Uganda’s strategy to foster inclusive growth and community-driven development. Enhanced oversight is also expected to improve transparency in the allocation and utilisation of public resources, reinforcing public trust in government operations.
In addition to facilitating project supervision, the new vehicles are expected to improve coordination between district and central government officials, allowing for timely reporting, feedback, and resolution of local challenges. Officials at the ceremony emphasised that with proper use, the vehicles will play a pivotal role in ensuring that national development programmes are delivered efficiently, effectively, and equitably across Uganda.
President Museveni’s fulfilment of this pledge underscores his administration’s focus on equipping local leadership with the necessary tools to drive development, enhance service delivery, and ensure that government policies have a visible and positive impact on communities throughout the country.