Decentralization policy was introduced in Uganda in 1997 under the Local Government Act of 1997.The policy inherently decentralized service delivery institutions and their governance in order to improve access to services for the rural poor and creation of modernization in communities. Its focus was on education, health, poverty reduction, agricultural advisory services, as well as the management of natural resources in Uganda. Decentralization has done less towards improving the conditions of citizens but favored political leader who get chance to run these newly created administrative units. These and more were words from Musinguzi David a senior citizen from Kabarole district when he was hosted live on ToroDev’s supported weekly talk show “Listener’s Forum’’ program on 1st July,2018 to discuss a topic on political inclusion and decentralization governance system in Uganda. The program is aired live every Sunday 8:00-10:00PM.
‘’Our problem as a country we don’t have bottom up planning strategy where people should be given opportunity to take part in planning and governance processes of their areas but just follow plans of a few individuals something that need to change if we are to benefit from the real motive of decentralization program’’, Said Mr. Musinguzi during the discussion.
Mr Musinguzi said, as a country we need to think twice on the way these administrative units are being created compared to their funding from central government. The creation of these new administrative units has increased administrative costs rather than improving service delivery in communities.
He urged that instead of having servicing districts we have political entities which have done less in terms of development. As citizens we love to see both existing and newly created districts fully funded with huge budgets that can help cater for improved services in communities.
The live discussion was also attended by Mr. Mutalesa Joseph a lecture at Uganda Pentecostal University (UPU) who argued that citizens should be included in planning and decision making processes. He said there is less done by decentralization especially in hard to reach communities and much is needed to improve the alarming sectors such as education, health, works, economic development, etc. Mr Mutalesa called upon citizens to elect leaders who can work for the development of their communities and those with an aim of improving and lobbying for improved services.
During the two hours live discussion more than 30 listeners participated through call ins and SMS platform;
”Decentralization is good but as a country we have poor planning strategy that’s why some sectors are not developing for example our road for Kihaiga and Mabale in Kyenjojo district for years has never been worked on”, Said Kahumuza a caller from Bugaki Sub county in Kyenjojo district, “Many sectors are still alarming though we have many sub counties created and districts, much emphasis should be put on improving sectors such as health, education among others and this will help to improve services”, Said Kasaija Adolf a caller from Buhara parish, Harugongo sub county in Kabarole district, “Decentralization has increased on individual development especially on the side of politicians rather than community development’’, Said Mugara a caller from Mugusu Town council in Kabarole district.
