The Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara has called for increased funding, stronger accountability and improved institutional capacity in local governments across East Africa, saying decentralisation cannot deliver meaningful results without adequate resources and competent personnel.
Speaking at the opening of the East African Local Government Forum, Barugahara said local authorities must be empowered to provide essential public services while promoting wealth creation and economic development.
He described local governments as central to implementing national development programmes, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and access to clean water.
Barugahara noted that Uganda has transferred planning, budgeting and implementation responsibilities to local governments under its decentralisation policy. However, he said staffing shortages, inadequate financing and coordination challenges continue to undermine service delivery.
He urged governments to address these constraints to enable local authorities to effectively fulfil their mandates.
Barugahara warns against misuse of public funds
The minister also raised concerns about corruption and the mismanagement of resources allocated to local government programmes, calling for stronger financial controls and oversight.
He stressed that public funds intended for essential services must reach the communities they are meant to benefit.
“Money appropriated for roads, schools, health facilities, water and other essential services must reach the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
Barugahara called for improvements in procurement processes, community monitoring and institutional oversight to ensure accountability in the management of public resources.
“Public resources must serve the public,” he added.
Local governments urged to drive economic growth
Beyond providing essential services, Barugahara challenged local governments to take a more active role in attracting investment, creating employment and improving household incomes.
He cited Uganda’s Parish Development Model as an example of a government initiative designed to bring economic opportunities closer to communities.
He said local authorities should ensure beneficiaries receive the necessary support while strengthening accountability in the management of funds allocated under the programme.
Barugahara also identified rural roads, agricultural markets, storage facilities, irrigation and productive financing as key investments needed to stimulate economic activity.
He urged local governments to identify investment opportunities within their areas of jurisdiction and establish an enabling environment for businesses to grow.
EAC countries urged to share best practices
The East African Local Government Forum has brought together local government leaders, policymakers and development partners from across the region to examine challenges affecting decentralisation and public service delivery.
Barugahara observed that countries in the region face common pressures, including rapid urbanisation, unemployment, infrastructure gaps, climate change and limited financing for local authorities.
He encouraged delegates to exchange experiences and practical approaches in digital governance, revenue mobilisation, urban planning, citizen participation and alternative financing.
He said stronger cooperation among local governments would also contribute to the East African Community’s broader regional integration agenda.
Barugahara challenged participating countries to focus on implementing policies and measuring their actual impact on communities rather than concentrating on administrative processes.
“The success of local government should not be measured by the number of meetings held, policies written or administrative structures established. It should be measured by the lives we transform,” he said.
He urged delegates to develop practical recommendations that governments can adopt to improve service delivery, strengthen accountability and promote economic development at community level.
Barugahara officially opened the forum, calling on participants to work towards practical solutions to the challenges facing local governments across East Africa.
