Adiga Julius
In a strategic effort to enhance planning and financial oversight at the local government level, the Ministry of Local Government has officially handed over laptops to district planners and internal auditors across Uganda. This initiative is aimed at boosting operational efficiency and supporting the implementation of decentralization policies.
The handover took place at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala during a capacity-building workshop organized by the Ministry’s Policy and Planning Division. The workshop aimed to share key findings from recent Parish Development Model (PDM) follow-up field visits and SACCO PDM audits.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, emphasized that the distribution of laptops is in line with Act 1762E, which mandates the government to provide the necessary tools and support for local governments to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
“Each district planner and internal auditor now has a laptop to support their work. This is part of our broader commitment to empower local government officers with the tools, policy guidance, and training they need to help transform Uganda’s socio-economic landscape,” Mr. Kumumanya stated.
The ministry is also actively providing ongoing training and capacity-building programs to equip these officers with the skills needed to meet national planning and accountability standards.
Addressing Challenges in the Parish Development Model
Mr. Kumumanya also addressed concerns surrounding the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), noting that all funds—250 million shillings per parish—have been disbursed. He acknowledged some operational challenges but assured the public that the program has now entered a stabilization phase.
“We are dealing with wrong characters. But this is not new—Thomas Hobbes argued in 1659 that selfishness is human nature. That’s why governance is essential: to regulate and correct such behavior. Any officer found mismanaging the PDM will face prosecution and removal from office,” he said firmly.
Progress on Budget Support and Local Government Monitoring
Commenting on budgetary support, Mr. Kumumanya noted an encouraging trend of increased provisions over time, allowing the Ministry to physically engage with districts and respond directly to emerging issues.
“We are not just messengers of information—we solve problems. Under Section 105, our ministry is mandated to coordinate all local government affairs, ensuring adherence to policy and standards.”
