Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah NabbanjaBy Prisca WanyenyaPrime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has told Parliament that no new districts will be created in Uganda until Cabinet lifts the ban imposed in 2021.She made the remarks during the October 1, 2026 plenary sitting while responding to a question raised by Stephen Kangwagye (Bukanga County) who sought clarification on the pending creation of Bukanga District out of Isingiro District under Article 179 of the Constitution.“A moratorium was issued by Cabinet in 2021, suspending the creation of new administrative units countrywide, including districts and this ban has not been lifted,” Nabbanja said.Her remarks come at a time when in September 2025, the NRM Parliamentary Caucus backed proposals to split Tororo District and elevate it to Tororo City, create three new districts from it, and split Bundibugyo District into two, arguing the move would bring services closer to the people and end ethnic conflicts.In the same sitting, Patrick Ongom (Erute North) raised concern over five newly created sub-counties and town councils in Lira District operating without headquarters. He cited Ayami, Agweng, Itek, Amach and Awiodyek sub-counties.Nabbanja said all the sub-counties mentioned became effective on July 1, 2018, with Amach Sub-county being an old sub-county that gave birth to Awiodyek Sub-county. She said in 2022, government provided start-up funds to operationalize new administrative units, with each new town council receiving Shs50m and each new sub-county Shs31m.She however cautioned leaders against constructing large office blocks for sub-counties.“Government has also guided Local Governments not to construct very large office buildings that remain incomplete due to high and unsustainable costs. We encourage phased, affordable structures that can be expanded over time,” Nabbanja said.Relatedly, Stephen Twesigye (Buyaga County East) raised concern over inadequate wage allocations to recruit staff in local governments despite creation of numerous new administrative units, leaving them critically understaffed.The Prime Minister said government has been increasing the wage bill in line with local government staffing needs. In FY 2026/27, government increased the wage bill by Shs1.09 trillion to enhance salaries and operational funds for local governments.“Government is committed to bridging operational gaps in Local Governments through phased recruitment, prioritizing critical posts, and continued enhancement of wage and non-wage allocations within the available fiscal space,” she said.The post No New Districts Until Cabinet Lifts Ban – Nabbanja appeared first on Business Focus.