Mpigi — MPIGI district has received Shs499 million from the European Union to improve its roads. The Cao Henry Makumbi said the money would facilitate maintenance of eight feeder roads in the district.

"We have received this money at a time when we needed it most. We had started experiencing impassable roads, which have been damaged by rain," he told journalists at the district headquarters on November 17.

He said although the money received is half the total needed to improve the district's roads, it would improve the situation.

Makumbi said the roads to be maintained are Nakirebe-Sekiwunga-Naziri, Katende-Buguuko-Kawalirya, Bulo-Ngeribalya, Nkumbya-Nkokoma and Ggiri-Ggavu.

Others are Muyobozi-Ggavu, Kalandazi-Bawungu and Mbizinya-Kumbya-Jjalamba.

Makumbi said this is the second time the EU has donated to the district this year. He noted that the money generated locally by the district cannot sustain its activities as three quarters of it goes to salaries.

He said the 16 sub counties in the district have contributed only Shs7.9 million to the treasury this financial year.

"You can imagine. Although they contribute that less, we pay all chairpersons," he said.

Makumbi said when the government eliminated graduated tax, people thought all taxes were abolished. He said people do not want to pay taxes and yet demand for services.