Kamuli invests billions in health, education and administrative infrastructure

Kamuli, Uganda: Kamuli Municipal Council has officially flagged off infrastructure projects worth Shs3.5 billion, aimed at improving public service delivery and addressing growing pressure on urban facilities in the municipality.

The projects include the Shs3 billion Kamuli Municipal Administration Complex, construction of Buwanume Health Centre III in Northern Division, a twin staff house at Butabala Primary School, and the renovation of a classroom block at Kamuli Boys Primary School.

Flagging off the works on Tuesday, Kamuli Town Clerk Stanislaus Mangasa said the projects will be implemented with strict financial discipline to guarantee value for money and timely completion.

“It is all about financial discipline, prioritizing the most pressing needs and ensuring that public funds are used responsibly. Under the Institutional Strengthening Grant this financial year, we have committed Shs705 million to support critical infrastructure,” Mangasa said.

He explained that the allocated funds include Shs300 million for Phase II of the Administration Complex, Shs235 million for Buwanume Health Centre III, Shs117 million for the twin staff house at Butabala Primary School, and Shs52 million for the renovation of Kamuli Boys classroom block.

Mangasa added that the municipal leadership is prioritizing infrastructure expansion to reduce office space constraints, improve service delivery, and strengthen public confidence in local government programs.

He however noted that the municipality will continue engaging the central government to support additional projects, including the construction of a maternity ward and staff houses.

Kamuli Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Adonia Mafumo, who officiated at the event, urged contractors and officials to maintain transparency and avoid corruption during implementation.

“These are government projects meant to benefit the people. Ensure quality work that will last, involve the local community and maintain transparency throughout the process,” Mafumo said.

At the education sector level, Butabala Primary School headteacher Cartron Kamaali welcomed the construction of a staff house, saying it will improve teacher supervision and reduce absenteeism.

“We are happy that teachers will finally have accommodation at the school. This will improve monitoring, supervision and overall school administration,” Kamaali said.

Meanwhile, Kamuli Municipal Health Officer Margaret Balirwa said the planned Buwanume Health Centre III will significantly improve access to healthcare services for over 37,000 residents in Northern Division and neighboring communities.

She called on government to increase drug supplies to health facilities to meet the growing demand for medical services.

Balirwa also revealed that the municipality recently received a boost from the Office of the Prime Minister, which doubled its grant allocation to Shs722 million for the next financial year after a strong performance during the OPM assessment.

“The increased grant will support expansion of services including running water, electricity and the start of a maternity ward and additional staff houses,” she said.

According to Municipal Planner Immaculate Byobona, Kamuli Municipality currently has an estimated population of 75,660 people, growing at an annual rate of 2.5 percent, based on the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2024 mid-year projections.

She noted that rapid urbanization is exerting pressure on housing, sanitation, waste management and other municipal services.

“This population growth is increasing demand for infrastructure and service delivery, making effective planning essential for sustainable urban development,” Byobona explained.

Municipal authorities say the ongoing infrastructure investments are expected to ease congestion in public facilities, improve health and education services, and support long-term urban development in Kamuli.