State House targets local govts as new report exposes gaps in accountability committees

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The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) has pledged intensified scrutiny of Uganda’s local governments, citing their central role in public service delivery and their high share of the national budget.

Speaking at the launch of a study on the functionality of Local Government Public Accounts Committees (LGPACs) at Kabira Country Club on September 11, 2025, SHACU’s head of legal department, Israel Ochwo, emphasised the urgency of addressing corruption in local authorities.

“We appreciated that a large part of the Government budget went to local governments, and not enough effort was being taken in tracking it,” Ochwo said.

“If we look at our last budget, 2024–2025, the budget was shillings 72 trillion. After removing about 41 trillion for debt repayment, local governments received 6.8 trillion, the highest allocation.”

Ochwo stressed that SHACU will marshal more resources to ensure these funds are applied to good use.

“Even when you look at other disbursements in education and health, most are still implemented at the local government level. That is why it is an area we need to focus on seriously,” he said.

Since its establishment in December 2018, SHACU has arrested and charged at least 800 individuals over mismanagement of public funds, including 370 public officials.

Structural weaknesses

The newly released study, conducted by the Alliance for Finance Monitoring (ACFIM) between June and July 2015, highlights persistent gaps undermining the effectiveness of LGPACs, which were created under Section 92 of the Local Government Act to enhance transparency and accountability.

According to ACFIM executive director, Henry Muguzi, the report assessed the functionality and capacity of LGPACs in 18 districts. Findings revealed that while committees are generally established in line with the law, several structural weaknesses persist.

In 28% of the districts surveyed, committee positions were not fully constituted, and 17% lacked formal approval by the Ministry of Local Government, raising legitimacy concerns. Gender representation also fell short of legal thresholds in some districts, undermining inclusivity.

“Ten districts complied by including at least two women members, but eight failed to meet this legal requirement,” Muguzi said. “This reflects partial progress but also shows many committees still fall short of inclusive and representative decision-making.”

Local government minister Raphael Magyezi, who unveiled the report, emphasised that accountability is a shared responsibility.

“LGPACs can only do what is within their means,” he said, adding that “citizens, too, should be the ears, eyes and hands that support and check these structures.”

Magyezi called for increased facilitation of LGPACs, arguing that the current shillings 20 million annual budget is far too insufficient to enable them to carry out effective oversight.

The report launch also drew international attention. Anders Korsbak, First Secretary at the Royal Danish Embassy, reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to strengthening accountability in Uganda.

“We share a common belief in Uganda that society requires a strong commitment to fighting corruption. Accountability is a crucial tool for development,” Korsbak said. He noted that Denmark, alongside Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden, is supporting Ugandan civil society and local governments in advancing accountability.

Korsbak added: “When public funds are protected and used effectively, services can reach the people who need them most. This is important for communities to shape their own futures.”