Transportation Woes Halt Local Government Services Amidst Ban on Vehicle Purchases

Service delivery has ground to a halt in various local governments across the country due to a severe shortage of transportation means for officials to carry out their duties. This crisis stems from the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development’s suspension of new vehicle purchases.

Richard Ayesigwa, a research fellow affiliated with the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) under the Center for Budget and Economic Governance, has suggested that the government facilitate local governments in scrapping vehicles beyond repair within their compounds and yards. The funds generated from this process could then be utilized to repair vehicles that are still in fair condition, ensuring they remain operational for service delivery in the interim.

“One of the challenges affecting government vehicles is poor maintenance. The government continues to acquire vehicles without a clear maintenance plan, leading to many of them being immobilized due to minor mechanical issues. Establishing regional repair workshops through public-private partnerships (PPPs) may help maintain the vehicles in good condition and extend their service life,” Ayesigwa advised.

It has now been five years since the Ugandan government ceased purchasing new vehicles – except for those designated for revenue mobilization – by any government ministry, department, agency, or local government, with the ban taking effect from the 2019/20 fiscal year to the present.

The Ministry of Finance cites the decision as a measure to curtail excessive government expenditure. However, the unintended consequence has been a significant impact on service delivery at the district level, leaving numerous officers in districts, cities, and municipalities without transportation means to execute activities and conduct inspections of government projects.

Ayesigwa further recommended stringent monitoring and the imposition of stricter terms of use for government vehicles to minimize misuse by responsible officers and mishandling by drivers. “How about periodic audits and inspections of these cars to make users accountable? This will minimize misuse of these vehicles,” he added.

The government used to allocate up to Shs100 billion annually for new vehicle purchases, depleting the nation’s resource base and reducing the funds available for essential services. Each day, the government operated a fleet of hundreds of vehicles, incurring expenses for taxpayers in terms of fuel, maintenance, and general wear and tear.

Nevertheless, the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, contends that local governments require Shs35.2 billion to procure new vehicles for officials. He emphasized that this funding is essential for government workers to fulfill their mandates. He added, “These funds can be allocated from the three percent supplementary threshold that can be spent by the government without prior approval from Parliament.”

The required vehicles typically encompass departmental and personal vehicles, and the Minister argued for the need to secure at least Shs200 million per district to procure these vehicles. This appeal was made during a presentation to the Committee on Local Government and Public Service.