Gulu, Uganda – The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, has been commended for the creation of several new town councils in Uganda, which will become operational on July 1, 2025.
The LCV Chairman of Lira District, Hon. RCM Okello Orik, said they are pleased with the progress regarding the establishment of Ogur District Headquarters. He praised the Minister of Local Government for a job well done.
Uganda has approved nine new town councils, set to be operational by July 1, 2025, ahead of the 2026 general elections.
However, the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, explained that the move is intended to realign administrative structures following the creation of regional cities despite past funding challenges for new local government units.
Among the newly approved town councils are:
- Awach Town Council in Gulu District, comprising Pugwinyi, Pageya, Paduny, Gwengdiya, and Bureoro wards
- Kagoma Town Council in Jinja District, comprising Kagoma, Magamaga, Buweera, Kaiira, and Kitanaba wards
- Mbale Town Council in Mbale District, comprising Busoba, Bumasikye, Bunambutye, and Bunanimi wards
- Busoro Town Council in Kabale District, comprising Busoro, Kaswa, and Kirere wards
- Kyanamukkaka Town Council in Masaka District, comprising Kyantale, Kamuzinda, Buyinja, and Buyaga wards, among others
- Kitoba Town Council in Hoima District
- Ogur Town Council in Lira District
- Katine Town Council in Soroti District
- Vurra Town Council in Arua District, comprising Ezuku, Tilevu, Ringili, Opia, Nyio, Kuluva, Eruba, Ayavu, Anzuu, and Ajono wards
Minister Magyezi clarified that the government is not creating entirely new entities, but is converting existing sub-counties into town councils, as required by law when a district headquarters is established.
“The law requires that where a district headquarters is created, it has to be a town council,” Magyezi said in an interview. “So, we are not creating new entities as such; we are taking the entire sub-county and elevating it to town council status. These are units with existing administrative structures and staff.”
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Gulu District, James Cosmos Okidi, said this development will create more jobs for the youth and boost local businesses in Awach, Bucoro, Pukony, and other nearby areas.
