On April 28, 2020, the Parliament of Uganda approved the creation of 15 new cities in a phased manner.
Masaka, Jinja, Mbarara, Gulu, Fort Portal, Mbale and Arua towns have got City Status and are officially beginning operation as Cities today July 1st, 2020.
The minister for Local Government Hon. Raphael Magyezi while addressing the press ahead of this massive feat said the above former Municipalities are expected to be self-sustaining entities and raise their own revenue.
The national launch of the seven cities will be held today in Jinja (Eastern Uganda) presided over by the speaker of parliament Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.
Hoima Municipality will closely follow as they hope to get City Status in 2021, while Entebbe and Lira will begin on 1st July, 2022. Moroto, Nakasongola, Soroti, Kabale and Wakiso will wait until July 1st 2023.