Balaam warns local leaders against overstepping their mandates
"After this induction, I expect no more mistakes from local government leaders. The purpose is to enlighten you on your duties, roles, mandate, and responsibilities. An LC5 chairperson, for instance, cannot perform the role of the speaker," Barugahara emphasised, reiterating that overstepping boundaries exacerbates conflicts.
Barugahara commended President Museveni for allocating funds for the induction, saying the programme would enhance effective service delivery across local governments. (Credit: Yosam Gucwaki)
MASINDI - Local government minister Balaam Barugahara has warned local government leaders against overstepping their mandates, saying a lack of understanding of their roles is a major cause of conflicts within local governments.
Barugahara made the remarks on October 6, 2026, during the official launch of an induction programme for local government councils organised by the Ministry of Local Government in Masindi.
The induction, held at Country Inn Hotel, is part of a nationwide programme intended to equip local government leaders with a better understanding of their duties, roles, mandates and responsibilities.
"The root cause of conflicts among local government leaders is overstepping their mandate and a lack of understanding of their roles. This is why we are implementing this countrywide induction for all local government councils," Barugahara stated.
He said sh12 billion has been earmarked for the nationwide initiative.
The programme will continue until all local governments have participated.
"After this induction, I expect no more mistakes from local government leaders. The purpose is to enlighten you on your duties, roles, mandate, and responsibilities. An LC5 chairperson, for instance, cannot perform the role of the speaker," he emphasised, reiterating that overstepping boundaries exacerbates conflicts.
Barugahara commended President Museveni for allocating funds for the induction, saying the programme would enhance effective service delivery across local governments.
Barugahara also raised concern about the low emoluments received by LC5 chairpersons, mayors and councillors despite their responsibility to supervise highly paid officials such as chief administrative officers.
"For effective service delivery and to deter corruption in local governments, the emoluments for local council leaders need to be enhanced. While we work on this, I urge you to desist from unnecessary conflicts and deal with corruption to ensure people receive services," Balaam said, asserting that he will not tolerate any corrupt tendencies.
Masindi district and Municipal councillors with Minister Mary Mugasa (3rd left) at Country Inn Hotel. (Credit: Yosam Gucwaki)
He said consultations were underway to enhance the salaries of local government leaders in the financial year 2027/28.
"It is challenging for an LC5 chairperson earning less than sh2 million to supervise a chief administrative officer earning sh12 million. These leaders are constantly in communities, attending burials and other events alongside the oversight role, yet they earn very little," he explained.
Ben Kumumanya, permanent secretary in the local government ministry, said the induction was intended to inform elected leaders about their responsibilities, roles and mandates and ensure they do not exceed their boundaries.
"After the training, we expect them not to deviate from what they have learned. We missed the induction after the 2021 election due to COVID-19, but this time we will cover all districts, cities, municipalities, and sub-counties. I implore you to acquire the skills and techniques to address the needs of the people," Kumumanya stated.
"Local council emoluments were last enhanced in 2010, and there have been no increments since. We are in the final stages of engagements to ensure their emoluments are enhanced," he added.
Swizin Mugyema Kinga, the commissioner for local councils development at the local government ministry, said the induction marked the beginning of efforts to improve service delivery.
"After the induction, I want your legislation to address the needs of the people. Do not allow yourselves to be overwhelmed by challenges; instead, find solutions. Do not fold your hands and lament when there are challenges," Mugyema warned, urging local government leaders to demonstrate proactive leadership.
Patrick Wobusobozi, the Masindi LC5 chairperson, commended the local government ministry for the initiative, saying it would enhance service delivery.
"This will be a measure to reduce tension among politicians and promote political civility, where people will come together to discuss developmental issues," Wobusobozi remarked.
Florence Asiimwe, the woman member of Parliament for Masindi District, underscored the need for councillors to conduct research so that they are acquainted with relevant data in their work.
The three-day induction brought together councillors from Masindi District and municipal councils, along with technocrats and heads of statutory bodies.
The participants are being trained in decentralisation and the local government system in Uganda, communication, presentation and public speaking, leadership development, patriotism and mindset change.
Other areas covered include urbanisation, physical development planning and management of urban services, legislation, recent legal reforms and local administration of justice, planning and budgeting, financial management and procurement in local governments, and human resource management.