LAKE VICTORIA ISLANDERS DEMAND MINISTRY

By HENRY LUBULWA

KALANGALA.

Islanders in the districts of Buvuma, Kalangala, Mukono and Namayingo have started a process to push for an independent ministry that they hope will help address the unique challenges facing the districts.

Led by Kalangala District chairperson Willy Lugoloobi, Buvuma County MP Robert Migadde and Namayingo District LC5 boss Ronald Sanya, the leaders say their areas need affirmative action.

“If the island areas are to develop, we must have a ministry or an independent authority that advocates and caters for the rights of all islanders,” Mr Lugoloobi said.

The official said just like Teso, Bunyoro, Karamoja and Luweero sub-regions have own ministers, they too deserve special consideration.

According to the leaders, many projects such as the construction of good roads, are not done in Island areas and even the ferries which could help link one island to another, are rarely purchased by government, which makes water transport expensive.

Mr Migadde cited Buvuma, which has 54 different islands, but has only one ferry that connects the main Island to Kiyindi Landing Site, in Buikwe District.

“The rest of the islands are not accessible because there is no clear means of transport.” he said

Namayingo District chairperson Ronald Sanya said some of the ministries cannot handle issues of Island districts since many of the technical officials have never visited such areas, which makes planning very difficult. 

SOURCE: DAILY MONITOR