MASAKA.
Lack of financial independence by lower local governments has been singled out as a major hindrance towards implementation of decentralisation, district leaders have said.
The leaders from across the country were speaking at a dialogue organised to mark the National Decentralisation Day in Masaka Town last Wednesday. They said in a joint statement that dependency holds back the full implementation of decentralisation in their areas.
The Lwengo District chairperson, Mr George Mutabaazi, who spoke on their behalf, said government currently allocates only 15 per cent of the national budget to the ministry of Local Government, adding that this is too small to cater for the demands of local councils. He said the meagre locally-generated revenue and inadequate central government releases make it difficult for them to attend to public demands.
Dr Elly Muhumuza, the Sembabule District chairperson, blamed the central government for failure to consider districts’ priority when making decisions.
Mr Muhammad Kateregga, the Bukomansimbi LC5 chairperson, said even their powers enlisted in the Local Government Act is often usurped by the Local Government ministers who are presidential appointees.
The joint statement was later handed over to the Vice President, Mr Edward Ssekandi, who graced the event. In the statement, the leaders demanded the increment of the Local Government ministry budget from 15 per cent to at least 30 per cent as an appropriate way of fully empowering them.
During the event, the Vice President handed over several accolades to some people that have played a significant role in implementing decentralisation in the country.
Background
In 1992, upon becoming signatory to the Addis Ababa, African Union declaration, Uganda adopted the decentralisation policy of governance which empowers local governments to manage their own affairs as a way of promoting effective and efficient governance.
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