By Emma Bwayo
(LC5 Chairman, Namisindwa District Local Government)
NATIONAL/OPINION
There is a strong case for supporting the renewed focus on accountability in Uganda’s local governments under Minister for Local Government Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi and Minister of State for Local Government Hon. Justine Nameere. The Ministry has recently intensified inspections, public engagements and follow-up on allegations of corruption, misuse of public resources and poor service delivery.
Local government is at the centre of delivering services directly to ordinary Ugandans. Yet, for years, concerns have been raised about procurement irregularities, absenteeism, misuse of public funds and poorly implemented government projects. Recent inspections by the Ministry have also resulted in disciplinary action against some local government officials, although allegations still require proper investigation and due process before guilt is established.
The current campaign therefore presents an opportunity to strengthen oversight rather than merely create fear among officials. Local leaders, councillors, RDCs, technical officers and other institutions responsible for monitoring government programmes must all play their part. Oversight should not begin and end with a ministerial visit.
One of the biggest challenges is the apparent weakness of accountability mechanisms. Citizens sometimes report suspected wrongdoing to the relevant authorities but later lose confidence when they see little or no visible follow-up. Whether such concerns arise from institutional weaknesses, delays or other factors, the solution must be to strengthen systems that protect whistle-blowers, investigate allegations independently and ensure that cases are handled according to the law.
Minister Balaam’s current approach has certainly brought renewed public attention to problems within local government. The Ministry itself says that allegations raised during its inspections are being documented and referred to the appropriate institutions for investigation and action.
But exposure alone cannot defeat corruption. Investigation, prosecution and lawful conclusion of cases must follow. Those found culpable should face the law, while those cleared should have their reputations restored. This is essential because accountability must be based on evidence and due process, not public accusations alone.
There is also a need to empower local leaders to participate meaningfully in physical monitoring of government projects. Local councils and communities are often the first to know whether a road has been constructed properly, whether a health centre is functioning, or whether a government programme has actually reached its intended beneficiaries. Interestingly, Minister Balaam has already proposed strengthening the role of local council units in addressing abuse of office and related problems.
At the same time, accountability must apply at every level. While attention is currently focused on districts, agencies and institutions at the centre must also be subject to effective oversight. No institution should be beyond scrutiny simply because of its position or influence.
Another difficult issue is public service. There are persistent concerns about absenteeism and people failing to perform the responsibilities attached to public positions. The answer must be stronger recruitment systems, professional ethics, performance monitoring and enforcement of existing rules. Public jobs should be treated as a responsibility to citizens, not as personal property.
Uganda does not need selective accountability. It needs consistent accountability without fear or favour.
The question many Ugandans are asking is: Where are the other leaders and institutions in this fight? The answer should not be competition over who gets credit for exposing wrongdoing. Every responsible institution should contribute to protecting public resources and improving service delivery.
If the current momentum is matched with strong institutions, fair investigations, timely prosecution, protection of whistle-blowers and effective community oversight, Uganda can turn this moment into a broader improvement in local governance.
The fight against corruption cannot belong to one minister, one ministry or one political office. It belongs to all of us.
The real victory will not be how many people are exposed; it will be how effectively Uganda builds systems in which public resources are protected, public servants do their work, and citizens receive the services they deserve.
