By Robert Onyango
Barugahara says decentralisation must be backed by adequate funding, accountability and investment in local economies
Balaam Barugahara has called for stronger and better-funded local governments across East Africa, saying decentralisation cannot deliver meaningful results without adequate resources, competent personnel and effective accountability systems.
Speaking at the opening of the East African Local Government Forum, Barugahara said local authorities must be equipped to deliver essential services while supporting wealth creation and economic development.
He said local governments remain central to the implementation of national development programmes, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and access to clean water.
Barugahara observed that although Uganda has transferred planning, budgeting and implementation responsibilities to local governments under its decentralisation policy, challenges involving staffing, financing and coordination continue to affect service delivery.
He called for these challenges to be addressed to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to fulfil their responsibilities.
Barugahara warns against misuse of public funds
Barugahara also raised concerns over corruption and the misuse of resources intended for public services, calling for stronger financial controls and oversight at local government level.
“Money appropriated for roads, schools, health facilities, water and other essential services must reach the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
He called for improvements in procurement systems, community monitoring and institutional oversight to ensure public funds are properly utilised.
“Public resources must serve the public,” Barugahara added.
Local governments urged to support wealth creation
Beyond delivering public services, Barugahara wants local governments to play a greater role in attracting investment, creating employment and supporting household incomes.
He cited Uganda’s Parish Development Model as one of the government programmes intended to bring economic opportunities closer to communities.
Barugahara said local authorities must ensure that beneficiaries receive the necessary support and that funds allocated under the programme are properly managed.
He also identified investment in rural roads, agricultural markets, storage facilities, irrigation and productive financing as necessary to support local economic activity.
He encouraged local governments to identify investment opportunities within their jurisdictions and create conditions that allow businesses to grow.
East African countries urged to share experiences
The forum has brought together local government leaders, policymakers and development partners from across East Africa to discuss common challenges affecting decentralisation and public service delivery.
Barugahara said countries in the region face similar pressures, including rapid urbanisation, unemployment, infrastructure gaps, climate change and limited financing for local authorities.
He encouraged delegates to share experiences in digital governance, revenue mobilisation, urban planning, citizen participation and alternative financing arrangements.
According to Barugahara, stronger cooperation among local governments would also support the East African Community’s wider regional integration agenda.
He challenged participating countries to place greater emphasis on implementing policies and measuring their impact on communities.
“The success of local government should not be measured by the number of meetings held, policies written or administrative structures established. It should be measured by the lives we transform,” Barugahara said.
He called for practical recommendations that participating countries can adopt to improve service delivery, strengthen accountability and support economic development at community level.
Barugahara officially opened the forum, urging delegates to develop workable solutions to the challenges facing local governments across East Africa.
