Uganda to host Local Government summit

Apr 17, 2013

More than 800 foreign delegates are expected in Uganda next month, for the 7th Commonwealth Local Government Conference to be held in Kampala.

By Taddeo Bwambale and Olive Namukwaya
            
More than 800 foreign delegates are expected in Uganda next month, for the 7th Commonwealth Local Government Conference to be held in Kampala.


The three day event will take place between May 14 and17 at Speke Resort Commonwealth Centre, under the theme, 'Developmental Local Government: Putting Local Government at the Heart of Development.'

The conference is intended to explore ways through which countries in the Commonwealth can use decentralisation to address poverty, economic development and improve service delivery.

Addressing a media briefing Tuesday, state minister for local government, Alex Onzima said the conference would attract heads of state, policy-makers and experts from all over the world.

"Uganda will learn about new ideas and approaches that can support their local governments to deliver better services, with case studies from across the commonwealth," Onzima stated.

He said the forum would also give Uganda the opportunity to showcase local government projects and partnerships in Kampala and the surrounding districts.

Uganda won the competition to host the 2013 conference after a highly competitive bidding process, becoming the first country in East Africa to host the forum.

President Yoweri Museveni has invited the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Eileen Gillard and Presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Goodluck Jonathan (Nigeria), Percy Mahendra Rajapaksa (Sri Lanka), as guest speakers at the conference.

At least sh1.2b will be spent on the event, according to the local government ministry's acting permanent secretary, Eng Patrick Mutabwire.

Uganda is ranked as the best African countries in implementation of the decentralisation policy in Africa, in spite of some challenges.

Most local governments have often complained about inadequate and late release of funds, despite an increase in budget allocation over the years.  

In last year's national budget, local governments were allocated sh1.8 trillion, up from sh31b allocated to them in 1999 when decentralisation policy was introduced.

However, Mutabwire said the funds were not enough to cater for the rising demand for social services.

During the conference, delegates will present proposals on a new framework to replace the Millenium Development Goals after 2015.


 

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