In an interview with Brian Mugenyi, Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya explains the philosophy behind Uganda’s decentralisation policy, President Museveni’s contribution, the responsibilities of elected leaders and why accountability must remain central to service delivery.
By Brian Mugenyi
MAKINDYE-SSABAGABO — Uganda’s decentralisation policy was intended to give communities a greater voice in determining their development priorities, but its success depends on how effectively elected leaders use the authority entrusted to them.
This is the message from Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, who has credited President Yoweri Museveni’s government for advancing decentralised governance and creating opportunities for citizens to participate in decisions affecting their livelihoods.
Speaking during an induction exercise for newly elected local council leaders in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Kumumanya challenged political representatives to understand their mandates, participate actively in council proceedings, approve development budgets and hold public institutions accountable.
He said decentralisation should not be reduced to the creation of administrative units but understood as a governance arrangement through which communities influence decisions on roads, schools, healthcare and other essential services.
In this interview with Brian Mugenyi, Kumumanya discusses the history of decentralisation, the role of President Museveni, the relationship between elected leaders and technical officers, corruption and the responsibility of local governments to improve people’s lives.
Q: What is the philosophy behind Uganda’s decentralisation policy?
Kumumanya: The idea is to give people the opportunity to determine their destiny. It is very important not to let anyone take decisions on things that affect us.
People must participate in decisions that affect their livelihoods. When you bring government closer to the people, they get an opportunity to identify their priorities and participate in determining what should be done in their communities.
It is about allowing people to have a voice in the development of their areas rather than having decisions made without considering their needs.
Q: How do you assess President Yoweri Museveni’s contribution to Uganda’s decentralisation journey?
Kumumanya: We must appreciate the reforms that were introduced under President Museveni’s government. The decentralisation process began when the country was undergoing important discussions about its future.
The government recognised the importance of involving communities in decisions affecting their development. This approach has given local people an opportunity to participate in governance through elected representatives.
Q: Why is the election of local leaders in 2026 an important moment for decentralisation?
Kumumanya: In 2026, I have been able to see a group of leaders being elected, not selected, to represent the people.
That is important because these leaders have received a mandate from the communities. They should appreciate the responsibility that comes with being elected.
People have entrusted you with the responsibility of speaking on their behalf, representing their interests and ensuring that their concerns are addressed.
Q: What practical responsibilities should these elected leaders understand?
Kumumanya: You must use the power you have been given to serve the people.
Sit in councils, approve your budgets, approve your projects and let people develop their own structures.
You should understand how council proceedings work, how budgets are approved and how projects are identified and monitored. Your responsibility is to ensure that the decisions you make translate into better services for the people.
Q: How does decentralisation empower communities to influence service delivery?
Kumumanya: The purpose is to ensure that people participate in determining what happens in their communities.
They know the challenges affecting them, whether it is roads, schools, healthcare or other services.
If you go to the community and the roads are not there, you should inquire. You should engage the relevant municipal authorities and find out what has happened.
You cannot represent people effectively when you do not understand their challenges or question the authorities responsible for addressing them.
Q: What should be the relationship between elected political leaders and technical officers?
Kumumanya: Leaders must understand their responsibilities and work with the technical people.
You have councils where decisions are made, budgets are approved and projects are considered. The technical team has responsibilities in implementing government programmes and providing professional guidance.
Leaders should exercise their political mandate while working with technical officers to ensure that services are delivered.
The two sides must appreciate their respective responsibilities and work towards the same objective of improving service delivery.
Q: How should elected leaders handle public resources entrusted to them?
Kumumanya: Accountability is very important because you are handling responsibilities entrusted to you by the people.
If you collect the Shs6 million, you sit and decide what to use that money for. You must understand that the resources available to you should benefit the community.
You should ask yourself whether what you are doing contributes to the wellbeing of the country. You must be doing this for the wellbeing of the country.
Q: President Museveni has repeatedly spoken against corruption. What responsibility do local leaders have in fighting the vice?
Kumumanya: You have heard the President fighting corruption all the time. With this power, we should work hard, foster national unity and live in harmony.
Leaders must appreciate that public resources are meant to improve the lives of citizens. You should not use your positions for personal interests at the expense of the communities you represent.
Accountability must be part of our daily work, and we should ensure that public resources are used for their intended purposes.
Q: What should leaders do when communities complain about poor service delivery?
Kumumanya: You must listen to the people and understand their concerns.
We have witnessed situations where people demonstrate because they are dissatisfied with services, including along Entebbe Road. Such concerns should be addressed through dialogue and established governance structures.
When residents complain about roads or other services, leaders should inquire and engage the responsible authorities.
You have a responsibility to represent the people and ensure that their concerns receive attention.
Q: How can local leaders avoid personal disagreements and concentrate on development?
Kumumanya: We should use yesterday to inform us, and today we want to see new things. Strong minds discuss ideas, and weak minds discuss people.
You should concentrate on ideas that can transform your communities rather than personal disagreements.
Leadership is about finding solutions, working together and improving the lives of the people.
Q: What should be the ultimate measure of successful local government leadership?
Kumumanya: You must always ask yourself: Is what I am doing for the wellbeing of the country?
Your work should contribute to the development of your community. You should promote unity, accountability and harmony while ensuring that the responsibilities entrusted to you are fulfilled.
Q: What is your message to the newly elected local leaders following this induction?
Kumumanya: I expect them to appreciate the responsibilities they have received from the people and understand how the local government system operates.
They should participate in council proceedings, understand budgeting, approve development projects and monitor service delivery.
Above all, they should work hard for the communities they represent.
Leaders welcome induction
Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality Mayor John Bosco Galabuzzi welcomed the induction exercise, thanking the Ministry of Local Government for supporting efforts to strengthen the capacity of elected local leaders.
He said the leaders were ready to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their performance and fulfil their responsibilities to residents.
Galabuzzi also commended Town Clerk Moses Otimong and the municipality’s technical team for their contribution to local administration and service delivery.
“We always take responsibility, and we have a better town clerk, Moses Otimong, and a technical team that is doing considerable work,” he said.
Ester Nakitto, a local councillor, said the training would help elected representatives understand their mandates, including lobbying for community services and appreciating the responsibilities of council speakers and councillors.
She said local leaders needed to understand their roles to represent residents effectively and work with municipal authorities to address community needs.
The induction forms part of efforts to strengthen local leadership, accountability and public participation in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality.
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