By Diana Kintu.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has officially given more power and independence to the five divisions of the city. This means that each division can now manage its own budget and make more decisions about local services. This big change started on July 1st, 2025, and is expected to make it easier for the government to deliver services to the people.
For a long time, many decisions had to be made by the main office at City Hall. Now, divisions like Nakawa, Makindye, Rubaga, Kawempe, and Central will have their own authority to manage day-to-day activities. Town Clerks in each division have been given powers to handle money directly and implement their work plans.
The KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, called this a historic step. She said, “The government gave us a green light, and divisions are now empowered to implement their own work plans while KCCA provides oversight. “This is what we were supposed to have done long ago.” This change is supported by the KCCA Act and the Public Finance Management Act.
Under the new system, payments for services like cleaning and other local activities will be managed right within the division. This means that problems can be solved faster and services can be delivered more efficiently. However, big projects like road construction and engineering will still be managed centrally by City Hall.
The Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, handed over official accounting documents to the division mayors and advised them to use their new powers well. He said, “For years there has been a gulf between the centre and the divisions. Today, we are opening a new chapter. You are getting power and authority—use it well. Do not abuse it because that will create problems for us all.”
Local leaders have welcomed this change. Paul Mugambe, the Mayor of Nakawa Division, said, “This is a big moment. For long, even the smallest decisions required approval from City Hall. Now divisions can act independently, which will improve response to community needs.”
This devolution of power is expected to strengthen local democracy and bring services closer to the people. KCCA will continue to provide overall supervision, but divisions will now have the freedom to manage their own resources and respond quickly to the needs of their communities.