By: Ismael Kasooha
KIKUUBE
The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah has commissioned a multi-billion Kikuube District administration block aimed at improving service delivery to the public.
“This magnificent administration block should help you the leaders deliver the much-needed services to the people in the District and beyond. This is what the NRM government meant by bringing services closer to the people,” said Nabbanja.
The over shs2bn administration block was constructed with funding from the Office of the Prime Minister under the Development Response for Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP) under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Institutional Development with support from the World Bank.
The Premier Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah leading other leaders to cut the cake as she commissioned the Kikuube district administration block constructed by OPM under DRDIP
DRDIP was intended to address expanded development needs by the Refugee Hosting Districts in the country. The project addressed the unmet social, economic and environmental needs identified in the local host communities in fifteen districts of Arua, Terego, Madi-Okollo, Koboko, Yumbe, Mo
“This facility is more than just a building; it is a symbol of NRM commitment to strengthen local governance and bring essential services closer to the people. As you are all aware, Kikuube was recently created from the mother district of Hoima with the purpose of bringing services closer,” said Nabbanja.
She said that every community deserves a government that is close to its people, a government that listens like NRM does, responds, and works tirelessly to improve lives.
Hoima Sugar awarded a certificate by Kikuube district administration for serving the district
“This new block will serve as a hub for decision-making, service delivery, and, above all, community engagement. The people of Kikuube will no longer have to travel long distances to access government services. Instead, you have a place where your voices can be heard, your issues addressed, and your aspirations nurtured,” noted the premier.
Nabbanja said that the new administration block should open up opportunities for the people of Kikuube.
“As this facility opens its doors, we are not just creating office space; we are creating a space for opportunities, where our young people can access support, find resources, and engage in the development of the district. Projects like these also create jobs, support local businesses, and ultimately help families thrive,” she said.
Nabbanja thanked the OPM team for their efforts towards realizing this project through DRDIP under the Prime Minister’s office.
Kikuube District requested DRDIP to fund the ground floor of the district administration due to budgetary constraints and the total investment was sh2.38bn
The district committed to find resources from other sources to complete the first floor and the entire building.
Overall DRDIP has invested over sh20bn to finance infrastructure development in Kikuube District in the last 5 years. This consisted of 16 schools, 5 roads and bridges, 6 health centres and 1 district medical stores.
This infrastructure development is meant to reduce the negative impacts of hosting refugees among our population. The project investments have led to increased harmony between refugees and host communities and expanded asylum space in the district.
Nabbanja briefed the public that the Government of Uganda has decided to approach the World Bank for DRDIP phase II and once approved, these investments will consolidate the gains and achievements in Kikuube and other refugee hosting districts in the country.
Nabbanja, however, expressed disappointment with local stakeholders, accusing parents, teachers, and leaders of neglecting their responsibilities, which has contributed to the high school dropout rates.
The Premier reaffirmed her commitment to championing the welfare of ordinary citizens through fighting school dropouts especially ensuring that the girl child. She blamed parents, teachers and leaders in the District of Kikuube for the high school dropout and yet the government has constructed schools as well-paying salaries for the teachers.
Peter Banura, the Kikuube District LC V chairperson lauded the Office of the Prime minister for the support accorded to them in the construction of the administration block.
“We are very grateful to OPM and the government of Uganda for the support accorded to us in the construction of this administration block. It is a step forward in ensuring that we serve our people relentlessly,” said Banura.
Banura appealed for more support from government because of the increasing demand of services in the district that hosts thousands of refugees.
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