By Flavia Ajok
The questions over missing government ambulance donated through the ministry of health, illegal markets, and the declining tax collections took centre stage as Hoima West Division held an inaugural council sitting on Thursday.
During sitting held at Kitara Tourism Square Hall in Kibingo cell, Julius Kyomuhendo, the division Mayor urged the members of the council sensitizing communities on meeting their tax obligations and the importance of paying taxes on time.
Kyomuhendo revealed as a division they are also moving to establish Hoima West Division taxi and boda stage to enhance revenue collections noting that following the split of the two divisions, most revenue-generating infrastructures remained in the East division.
Nelson Byamukama, the Bujura Ward Councilor raised a point of concern of existing illegal markets where the division barely collects taxes.
He revealed that the illegal Round about market is suffocating other the gazzetted markets like Kibingo market, yet no taxes are collected by the division from the one at the roundabout. He highlighted that that before the trade order, Kibingo Market had 107 vendors however it is currently remaining with only 47 vendors.
Byamukama also backed the kick starting of Hoima West Stage for Taxis to ease transport and boost revenue, arguing that all parks and stages are currently in Hoima East Division.
During the council seating, a committee chaired by Hon Nelson Byamukama was set up to handle the matter of setting up a taxi stage. Other members on the committee are John Balijura, Councillor Western Ward as Vice Chairperson with Justine Tweheyo Female Councillor Kihimboza, Leonard Kisembo, Councillor Kasingo Ward and Nicholas Bagire, Councillor Kihukya Ward as members.
On the Division Ambulance, John Balijura, Councillor for Western Ward raised concern over the division’s ambulance that was commissioned at Karongo Health Centre III, saying it has not been seen or used by the community since then.
However, in response, Muhanguzi explained that the ambulance is available and, in their custody, but lacked a driver saying a driver has now been secured and the ambulance will soon be stationed at Kihukya Health Centre III.
The Speaker of Hoima West Division Council, Edward Ayesiga expressed optimism that the establishment of the Hoima West Stage will help boost local revenue collection for the division
