Buvuma Island, situated in the Buikwe district, faces significant challenges in accessing improved service delivery, primarily due to its limited transportation options, which consist solely of boat and ferry services.
The difficulties are compounded by other conditions present on the island itself.
Located in Lake Victoria, Buvuma district has a population of approximately 110,000 residents, with fishing and agriculture, particularly the cultivation of oil palm trees, being the predominant economic activities.
A recent inspection by officials from the Ministry of Local Government highlighted the district’s struggles in securing contracts for various projects.
Isa Mbooge, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Buvuma, emphasized that the unique conditions of the islands hinder the execution of certain contracts, suggesting that such locations should be evaluated on an individual basis.
“Contractors have to transport building materials by boat. One day in 2023 a boat capsized, six people died and all materials were lost. So, when a contractor quotes a higher fee to construct a school compared to the one on the main land, these are issues that should be considered,” he added.
Mbooge urged the public service, health service commission, and particularly the education service commission to take into account the recruitment of individuals with qualifications who have been serving as volunteers in the district.
“We have teachers who have been teaching without salary. These have been tested and can withstand the conditions on the Island,” he said.
He clarified that certain civil servants, such as teachers, are hired; however, they decline to accept positions in Buvuma.
“As soon as they access the pay roll, they want to be transferred,” he added.
Johnson Musingunzi, the Assistant Commissioner for Procurement, urged the district team to consistently consult the appropriate Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) regulations when making procurement choices.
He emphasized that the decisions made by contract committees should take into account the tax status at the time of contract award.
“It should be clearly stated whether the award is taxes exclusive or inclusive,” he said.
The MOLG team further recommended that the procurement officers in Buvuma consistently inform the accounting officer or the chief administrative officers regarding all micro procurements conducted by the user departments.
The district also has to come up with a plan for disposal of public assets following the guidelines of the PPDA regulations 2023.
Oil palm project
Oil palm tree growing is one the major activities on island. So far, the project has planted 2500 hectáres of oil palm trees. Government intends to expand to 5000 hectares but they are still delayed by issues of land compensation.
The oil palm project has greatly improved the economy of the 53 islands in the district.
The project has improved household incomes, local revenue taxes, created employment opportunities for the youth and women.
Management through corporate social responsibility contributed to the construction of a modern ferry and they also lend equipment the district to maintain roads.
According to Wilson Sserunjogi the senior assistant CAO and project coordinator, the number of tourists has increased and the criminal rate has reduced due to increased security and the youth are fully occupied in income generating activities.
“You need land near a reliable water source, enough sunshine, fertilizers ad an expert to guide you on how to plant the trees,” he added.
“In one acre, you plant 60 palm trees which is an investment of 1.2 million. You can earn 6 to 7 million during the harvest season. The trees suffocate the weeds thus reducing costs of weeding,” he said.
