KAMPALA | Uganda’s government has allocated 35.2 billion shillings ($9.3 million) for the purchase of brand-new Toyota double-cabin pick-up trucks for all District Chairpersons, City Mayors, and Municipal Mayors. Minister for Local Government Raphael Magyezi revealed the procurement details to Parliament on Wednesday, confirming that the first batch of 90 vehicles is expected to arrive by the end of September, with the remainder set to land by November.
The funds for the purchase were approved in a supplementary budget passed earlier this year, in April. Minister Magyezi thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the Cabinet, and Parliament for approving the allocation, emphasizing that the new vehicles are critical for local leaders to carry out their duties effectively.
The announcement followed a petition from the Uganda Local Government Associations (ULGA), which highlighted persistent logistical and funding gaps that hinder service delivery at the local level. According to the ULGA, these challenges have made it difficult for local leaders to monitor and implement development programs, such as those under the Parish Development Model, which aims to boost rural livelihoods.
While the government defends the expenditure, arguing that vehicles are essential for monitoring rural development programs, the move has raised eyebrows among opposition politicians and civil society groups. Critics question the appropriateness of such spending, given Uganda’s ongoing challenges with healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Despite the concerns, the government is moving forward with the distribution of the vehicles, which is expected to begin later this month as the first consignment arrives. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to support local government leaders in fulfilling their roles, particularly in rural areas where mobility is often a challenge.