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Local Government Decision-Making: Citizen Participation and Local Accountability, Examples of Good (and Bad) Practice in Uganda

Author: U Grant
Date: 2002
Size: 12 pages (56 KB)

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Summary

What constitutes 'good' or 'bad' practice in local government? How can reform promote citizen participation and local accountability? Uganda has been a leading exponent of decentralisation. Reforms have strengthened the capacity of local authorities to deliver services to their residents. This briefing paper from the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham collates some examples of good and bad practice in decision-making and resource allocation at municipal level in seven Ugandan local councils. The case studies highlight the extent of citizen participation and local government accountability in diverse situations. It is concluded that increased participation at local level must be accompanied by a real devolvement of decision-making power and funding, and a commitment to accountability at both central and local government levels.

Constitutionally, there is a real possibility in Uganda for democratic participation and decision-making, from village up to municipal levels. Research into the implementation of these constitutional policies as decentralisation has progressed has highlighted the following findings:

• The multi-level local council system in Uganda has proved successful in bringing the government closer to its citizens
• Conditional grants (such as the Local Government Development Programme) from central to local level have increased, and proved useful in reaching targeted objectives and involving citizens in decision-making
• Local revenue collection has remained weak, even declining as grants have increased
• If competition for funding is too intense, increased participation can lead to conflicts within municipal local councils
• Budget conferences have the potential to increase accountability. Efforts are being made to make these conferences more inclusive and conducive to participation from ordinary citizens
• There are some signs of participation-fatigue and declining participation in local elections.

Ugandans are becoming more aware of what they are entitled to as a right and not as charity. As their voice increases, it is necessary to increase accountability at all levels of government to avoid citizen disillusionment. The case studies suggest the following lessons:

• Regular, free and fair elections are the key to holding mayors and councillors to account
• Budget conferences can be made more inclusive and conducive to participation from ordinary citizens by facilitating specific discussions in small groups, and by bridging the gaps imposed by language
• Greater co-operation between local councils and civil society organisations eases the transition from economic to political empowerment of marginalised groups
• The media is an effective means for informing citizens about available resources and for channelling complaints about local councils.

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Source: Grant, U. 2002, 'Local Government Decision-making: Citizen Participation and Local Lccountability, Examples of Good (and Bad) Practice in Uganda', Building Municipal Accountability Series, International Development Department, University of Birmingham, Birmingham.
Author: Ursula Grant , u.grant@bham.ac.uk
International Development Department (IDD), University of Birmingham, http://www.idd.bham.ac.uk