A proposed bill to reduce the authority of local councillors in favor of regional governors is facing opposition from elected officials. The legislation, introduced by Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa, seeks to amend the Regional Councils Act to delegate certain administrative functions to management committees.
Councillors argue that the change undermines democratic principles. Sara Peelenga, a councillor from Outapi, stated that elected councillors represent the people's mandate, while governors are appointed by the president. She asserted that removing powers from councillors is equivalent to stripping the electorate of its voice. Peelenga emphasized that councils should retain their role in community representation and oversight, including involvement in the appointment of chief executive officers.
The bill is currently under debate in the National Assembly, with some officials calling for further consultation with regional councils to assess the potential impact of the proposed power-sharing structure.
Councillors argue that the change undermines democratic principles. Sara Peelenga, a councillor from Outapi, stated that elected councillors represent the people's mandate, while governors are appointed by the president. She asserted that removing powers from councillors is equivalent to stripping the electorate of its voice. Peelenga emphasized that councils should retain their role in community representation and oversight, including involvement in the appointment of chief executive officers.
The bill is currently under debate in the National Assembly, with some officials calling for further consultation with regional councils to assess the potential impact of the proposed power-sharing structure.
