Local govt to improve service delivery, thanks to World Bank

Mar 03, 2009

THE Government and World Bank have launched a sh414b programme to fund local government projects. The projects include building classrooms and health centres, installing water, constructing roads and sanitation facilities as well as capacity building.

By Joshua Kato, Alex Ocen
and Patrick Okino


THE Government and World Bank have launched a sh414b programme to fund local government projects. The projects include building classrooms and health centres, installing water, constructing roads and sanitation facilities as well as capacity building.

The Local Government Service Delivery Programme replaces the Local Government Development Programme. It was launched last week at the Lira Municipal Grounds.

The chief guest, Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, said the Government was committed to providing service delivery to the community. He also warned accounting officers against diverting public resources, saying they would be prosecuted.

The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Syda Bbumba, said the programme needs close monitoring, consultations, sensitisation, coordination and commitment from stakeholders. She said management, communication, capacity building and commitment to success were key to effective implementation of the project.

Adolf Mwesige, the local government minister, said the programme was a milestone in demonstrating the Government’s commitments to the decentralisation.

Decentralisation has facilitated the transformation of local governments from highly-dependent bodies to self-governing entities that have reduced poverty and sustained quality services to the public.

“The programme is customized in line with the Poverty Eradication Action Plan and we hope to realise a change in our system,” says Franco Ojur, the Lira district boss.

“We wish to commend the Government for pursuing pro-people policies and socio-economic development,” Ojur added.

Kundhavi Kadiresan, the World Bank country manager, said due to the creation of more districts, there was a decline in the local revenue, which was likely to result in lack of financial independence.

“These developments, including the creation of more districts, pose a threat to improved local service delivery and the achievement of value for money in public expenditure,” Kadiresan said.

However, the Government said the programme is timely as it will help local leaders provide adequate services to their people.

Kadiresan also cited inadequate human resource, especially in northern Uganda and frequently uncoordinated support from the line ministries as challenges of local governments.

She said the programme was expected to strengthen local governments’ revenue and financial accountability as well as community participation in decision-making. Kadiresan said the World Bank recognised the importance of decentralisation and the role of local governments in service delivery.

The chairperson of the decentralization partner group, Dr. Jenifer Bukokhe Wakhungu, stressed the need to encourage communities to participate in their development.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});