By Ben Kumumanya
Uganda’s Local Council I (LC I) and Local Council II (LC II) structures remain the foundation of the country’s decentralised governance system. Since the introduction of decentralisation, Government has deliberately moved decision-making closer to citizens, enabling communities to actively participate in identifying priorities, monitoring service delivery and holding leaders accountable.
The importance of grassroots leadership has recently been demonstrated through community engagements, including visits by the Minister of Local Government to the Bugisu Sub-region, where citizens openly raised concerns about corruption, service delivery gaps and the need for greater accountability from public officials.
As Uganda prepares for the Village (LC I) and Parish/Ward (LC II) elections, citizens have another opportunity to strengthen democratic governance by electing leaders who demonstrate integrity, competence and commitment to public service.
The Ministry of Local Government remains committed to promoting decentralisation as a tool for strengthening good governance, accountability, inclusive development and citizen participation. Through decentralised structures, communities become active participants in development rather than passive recipients of government programmes.
The LC I and LC II Executive Committees are structured to ensure that different aspects of community life are represented through specific leadership positions, including the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Secretary for Finance, Secretary for Defence and Security, Secretary for Production and Environmental Protection, Secretary for Information, Education and Communication, Secretary for Youth Affairs, Secretary for Persons with Disabilities and Secretary for Women Affairs, as provided for under the Local Governments Act.
This leadership structure enables citizens to easily identify where to seek assistance on various community matters while promoting inclusive, accessible and responsive governance.
At the village level, LC I leaders play a critical role in implementing council decisions, mobilising citizens to participate in government programmes, promoting sanitation and environmental protection, maintaining law and order, identifying vulnerable households for government interventions, protecting public property and monitoring service delivery.
They also serve as an important link between communities and higher levels of government by communicating local priorities, challenges and development needs.
Because LC I and LC II leaders are the closest elected representatives to citizens, they possess a unique understanding of community realities. Their proximity to the people enables them to respond quickly to local concerns and ensure that government programmes reach intended beneficiaries.
Beyond administration, these leaders are responsible for mobilising communities to participate in national development initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, immunisation campaigns, environmental conservation efforts and community sanitation programmes.
Local Council leaders also play a vital role in maintaining peace, security and social harmony. By working closely with residents and security agencies, they help identify emerging security concerns, resolve disputes and promote peaceful coexistence.
One of their most important responsibilities is resolving community disputes involving land boundaries, family disagreements, domestic conflicts and other local challenges before they escalate into costly and lengthy legal processes. Through mediation and reconciliation, Local Councils contribute to strengthening social cohesion and reducing pressure on formal justice systems.
Grassroots leaders are equally important in promoting transparency and accountability. As Government intensifies efforts to eliminate corruption, communities must recognise that the fight against corruption begins at the local level.
Responsible Local Council leaders help safeguard public resources by verifying beneficiaries of government programmes, monitoring public projects and reporting cases of corruption, abuse of office and poor service delivery.
The willingness of communities to expose corruption during recent government engagements demonstrates the important partnership between citizens and leaders in promoting accountability and improving governance.
The upcoming LC I and LC II elections therefore provide communities with an opportunity to choose leaders who prioritise public interest above personal gain. Voters should carefully consider the integrity, commitment, accessibility and track record of candidates seeking leadership positions.
Communities need leaders who are approachable, accountable, hardworking and committed to serving all residents without discrimination. Such leadership strengthens public confidence and creates an environment where development programmes can succeed.
Decentralisation is built on the principle that decisions affecting communities are best made with the involvement of those communities. Through elected Local Councils, citizens participate in setting priorities, contributing to planning processes and monitoring government performance.
This participatory approach strengthens democracy, improves accountability and promotes ownership of development initiatives.
The Ministry of Local Government remains committed to strengthening Local Councils through policy support, capacity building and collaboration with other government institutions. Strong Local Councils lead to stronger local governments, improved service delivery, increased accountability and more responsive governance.
As Ugandans prepare to elect their next LC I and LC II leaders, every eligible voter has a responsibility to participate in shaping the future of their communities.
Voting in these elections is not only about choosing individuals to occupy leadership positions; it is about strengthening decentralisation, promoting peace and security, improving accountability and accelerating socio-economic transformation.
The Ministry of Local Government therefore encourages all eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process by offering themselves for leadership where qualified and by voting peacefully and responsibly.
Through strong Local Councils and effective decentralisation, Uganda can continue to deepen democratic governance, improve service delivery and build resilient communities that contribute to sustainable national development.
The strength of Uganda begins at the village and parish levels, where citizens and their elected leaders work together to transform communities and advance the country’s development aspirations.
The author is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government