By KT Reporter
The Democratic Front candidate for the Katikamu North Parliamentary seat, Ronald Bazanyengo Kasagga, has vowed not to support the motion to elevate Luwero Town Council to municipality status if elected. For nearly ten years, Luwero leaders have pushed for the elevation of Luwero Town Council into a municipality comprising two divisions—Kasana and Luwero.
The district council has already approved the proposal and forwarded it to the Minister of Local Government, pending parliamentary action. However, as campaigns intensify in Katikamu North—where the proposed municipality would fall— the issue has become a major talking point among the six candidates in the race. Kasagga has stirred controversy by openly opposing the proposal.
He argues that the move is politically driven, aimed at creating positions for those eyeing seats for councilor, division chairperson, mayor, and MP. He adds that elevating Luwero to municipality status would likely increase taxes on an already limited tax base, disproportionately affecting the poor. Kasagga promises that if elected, he will push for the proposal to be put on hold for at least five years to allow the area to attract more taxable businesses capable of sustaining a municipality.
A section of residents working in markets, garages, and other informal sectors agree with Kasagga, saying municipality status is not a priority at the moment. Hassan Ssejjengo, a roadside pineapple vendor, fears that municipality status would come with higher taxes that could force small traders out of business. He argues that the government can still increase funding for roads and other services without creating a municipality.
However, Independent parliamentary candidate Ronald Ndawula and incumbent LC V chairperson Erastus Kibirango accuse Kasagga of misleading voters. They insist that the benefits of municipality status far outweigh their concerns.
Ndawula says Luwero Town Council has stagnated because of limited funding, which constrains efforts to tarmac roads, install street lights, and improve basic infrastructure. He promises that once elected, he will ask Parliament to lift the ban on new administrative units and approve Luwero Municipality, which he says is long overdue.
Kibirango adds that an elevated status would bring improved services, including a road unit, special development projects, and more job opportunities. During his Parish Development Model tour in Luwero in May, President Yoweri Museveni declined to commit to the elevation proposal.
He said such changes do little to help people escape poverty and are often politically motivated.
He noted that residents in newly created municipalities and cities frequently face increased property taxes and land disputes. Museveni insisted that leaders should instead focus on meaningful development that directly improves livelihoods.
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