From a single city, created at independence in 1962, Ugandans in seven more towns woke up Wednesday as city dwellers, as the government plan to create secondary cities took effect.
The government elevated to cities the municipalities of Arua in the West Nile region near the DR Congo and South Sudan borders, Gulu in the Central North, Mbale and Jinja in the east, Mbarara in the Midwest, Fort Portal in the west and Masaka in central region.
“The Uganda Vision 2040, the overarching 30-year national vision, identified creation of regional and strategic cities as one of the key drivers for the development agenda of the country’s long term aspirations and projections for the future,” said Raphael Magyezi, the Minister for Local Government.
“Your application to blast cracker fireworks in Gulu, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Jinja and Mbale cities are acknowledged,” wrote police director of operations Edward Ochom to the new cities.
Nakasongola, Moroto, Kabale and Wakiso will become cities in 2023/2024, according to the government plan.
