MUKONO– Leaders in Mukono District have been urged to understand and embrace their responsibilities in local governance and revenue mobilization as a foundation for improved service delivery and sustainable development.
This call was made during a capacity-building workshop organized under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP) — a project funded by the World Bank and the Government of Uganda.
The workshop, held at the Chief Administrative Officer’s Boardroom, brought together all district councilors and heads of departments. It focused on building institutional capacity for effective coordination, governance, leadership, and revenue mobilization with the aim of enhancing access to improved infrastructure services across the district.
While officially opening the workshop, Mr. Muhumuza Stephen, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer who represented CAO Ms. Elizabeth Namanda, emphasized the vital role local leaders must play in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
He commended the engagement for uniting political and technical leaders, stressing that strong leadership and accountability at all levels are essential for sustainable development.
In his presentation, Mr. Ismail Ahamed, Principal Inspector from the Ministry of Local Government, underscored the importance of local revenue as the backbone of public service delivery. He reminded leaders that money collected from local entities is not only a funding source but also a means by which citizens earn the right to demand accountability and services.
“It is the responsibility of local leaders to comply with laws governing revenue monitoring and reporting,” Mr. Ahamed noted, emphasizing that every sub-county should actively involve and inform communities about their role in service delivery. He further explained that Local Revenue Enhancement (LRE) initiatives can only succeed when implemented alongside practices that promote efficiency, participation, transparency, accountability, and a clear linkage between tax collection and service provision.
Another key facilitator, Mr. Charles Mwijjukye, also a Principal Inspector from the Ministry of Local Government, elaborated on the core principles of good governance essential to leadership and service delivery. These included Accountability Being answerable for actions and decisions, Transparency Openness and accessibility of information, Participation Involving stakeholders in decision-making, Predictability Clear and consistent rules and processes, Equity and Inclusiveness Giving all citizens a voice and opportunity, Rule of Law Applying the law equally to all institutions and individuals, Responsiveness Attending to public needs and concerns and Efficiency and Effectiveness Achieving results with prudent resource use.
He stressed that these values must guide public leaders if they are to improve the quality of life for citizens and ensure sustainable governance systems.
Speaking on behalf of LCV Chairperson Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa during the closing of this workshop, the Secretary for Gender and Health, who also serves as the District Woman Councilor for Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council, called on the Chief Administrative Officer to extend such engagements to lower local governments.
She emphasized that citizens expect results from their leaders and that this can only be achieved through joint mobilization efforts and educating the public on why taxes and local revenues matter. She further urged fellow councilors to implement the knowledge gained from the training in their respective communities to drive development and improve service delivery.
This capacity-building workshop served as a powerful reminder of the critical connection between good governance, local revenue mobilization, and quality public service delivery. As Mukono District continues to implement the GKMA-UDP, the active participation of both political and technical leaders will be crucial.
A continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and community involvement will not only foster public trust but also ensure that locally generated revenues are transformed into impactful and sustainable development for all citizens of Mukono District.
