VP launches $200m programme
Mar 04, 2009
THE Government has launched the Local Government Management and Service Delivery Programme and warned accounting officers against mishandling public funds.
By Alex Ocen
and Patrick Okino
THE Government has launched the Local Government Management and Service Delivery Programme and warned accounting officers against mishandling public funds.
The World Bank funded project, worth $211.56m, has replaced the Local Government Development Programme which was started to support decentralisation.
The new programme will strengthen ministries, departments and agencies in the local government to manage resources together with the community.
Launching the programme at the Mayor’s Garden in Lira district on Friday, the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, said the Government would not tolerate chief administrative officers who connived with contractors to do shoddy work.
He explained that the Government’s strategy was to plan, design and implement programmes to transform the community from peasant to middle class. But this, Bukenya said, would succeed depending on the leaders’ commitment to providing services to the people.
“The Government will not hesitate to deal with local government officials who frustrate development programmes,†he added.
Bukenya asked the leaders to acquire machinery and tools to attract investors into the country instead of criticizing development efforts. He added that the Government welcomed positive criticism for improving service delivery.
The local government minister, Adolf Mwesigye described the programme as the NRM’s commitment to the decentralization policy.
He said the programme aimed at strengthening the ability to plan and manage resources for sustained services.
The World Bank country manager, Kundhavi Adiresan, said the bank recognised the importance of decentralisation and the vital role played by the local governments in the delivery of basic services.
She said there were a number of challenges that needed to be addressed to consolidate the gains made and further strengthen governance and accountability. These included declining local revenues, inadequate human resources and uncoordinated support from ministries.
The function was attended by the state minister for finance, Fred Omach, LC5 chairpersons, district mayors and representatives of donors.
and Patrick Okino
THE Government has launched the Local Government Management and Service Delivery Programme and warned accounting officers against mishandling public funds.
The World Bank funded project, worth $211.56m, has replaced the Local Government Development Programme which was started to support decentralisation.
The new programme will strengthen ministries, departments and agencies in the local government to manage resources together with the community.
Launching the programme at the Mayor’s Garden in Lira district on Friday, the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, said the Government would not tolerate chief administrative officers who connived with contractors to do shoddy work.
He explained that the Government’s strategy was to plan, design and implement programmes to transform the community from peasant to middle class. But this, Bukenya said, would succeed depending on the leaders’ commitment to providing services to the people.
“The Government will not hesitate to deal with local government officials who frustrate development programmes,†he added.
Bukenya asked the leaders to acquire machinery and tools to attract investors into the country instead of criticizing development efforts. He added that the Government welcomed positive criticism for improving service delivery.
The local government minister, Adolf Mwesigye described the programme as the NRM’s commitment to the decentralization policy.
He said the programme aimed at strengthening the ability to plan and manage resources for sustained services.
The World Bank country manager, Kundhavi Adiresan, said the bank recognised the importance of decentralisation and the vital role played by the local governments in the delivery of basic services.
She said there were a number of challenges that needed to be addressed to consolidate the gains made and further strengthen governance and accountability. These included declining local revenues, inadequate human resources and uncoordinated support from ministries.
The function was attended by the state minister for finance, Fred Omach, LC5 chairpersons, district mayors and representatives of donors.