During a recent session, Members of Parliament sitting on the Public Accounts Committee engaged with officials from the Ministry of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs to discuss issues raised in the December 2023 Auditor General’s report.
The report pointed out potential overlaps between the Ministry of Kampala, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and the Ministry of Lands and Urban
Monica Edemachu Ejua, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, defended the ministry’s role. She emphasized its importance in supervising and guiding the management of Kampala and its metropolitan area.
“KCCA creates subsidiary laws like ordinances and by-laws, but our ministry ensures these are implemented correctly, coordinating planning across the nine entities within the Kampala Metropolitan region,” Ejua explained. “If we don’t plan for this region, it is a serious time bomb. Over 60% of the GDP comes from this area, which faces numerous challenges. Our mandate is to address these issues.”
Ejua further clarified that the Ministry of Kampala works strategically with the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, ensuring there is no duplication of mandates.
“We collaborate at a strategic level, but when it comes to coordinating and implementing plans according to guidelines, that’s where our ministry steps in,” Ejua added.
Patrick Nsamba, Member of Parliament for Kassanda North, sought clarity on the ministry’s mandate given the roles of KCCA and the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development. He stressed the importance of understanding the ministry’s contribution to the country’s development.
“We need to comprehend the specific role of the Ministry of Kampala in the national development process, especially with KCCA and the Ministry of Urban Development already in place,” Nsamba said.
Basil Bataringaya, Member of Parliament for Kashari North, urged the ministry’s accounting officer to justify its existence amid the presence of other entities in the same operational environment. He highlighted the need to ensure that public funds are used efficiently.
“The accounting officer should demonstrate the ministry’s justification given other corporate entities in the same space. This will help us determine if the funds allocated are effectively used and if there is value for money,” Bataringaya stated.
The debate over the necessity of the Ministry of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs continues as lawmakers seek to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently, enhancing services for Kampala’s residents without duplicating efforts already in place by other entities.
The ongoing scrutiny of the Ministry of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs by legislators underscores a critical examination of government efficiency and resource allocation. As MPs demand clear justifications for the ministry’s existence and its distinct role in relation to KCCA and the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, the overarching goal remains to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively
