Train local leaders in governance

Local citizens have appealed to the government and civil society organisations to build the capacities of local leaders in governance to reduce misuse of government resources and ensure efficient and effective delivery of government resources to the local citizens. “There is need to train local leaders in governance to reduce conflicts and ensure quality work” says Maizi Garuhanga from Kyenjojo District.

Local citizens who participated in the discussions through call-ins, SMS and online platforms like facebook also appealed to local leaders to sensitise local citizens in governance and leadership to improve service delivery monitoring, “leaders should sensitise local people on their roles so that people can effectively monitor their services and demand accountability from them.” Says Justus from Kabarole District.

Kyenjojo Town Council

The appeal was made on Better FM, Fort Portal on the Listeners Forum radio program held on Sunday 21^st July, 2013 (08:00 – 10:00pm) discussing issues of leadership and service delivery in Kyenjojo Town Council. The discussion which was attended by Kyenjojo Town Council leaders who included the Mayor Mr. Twaha Twine Musa, the deputy mayor Madam Ruhweza Aida, the speaker Mr. Worugaba Laurent Isingoma and the interim secretary for works Madam Kisembo Henrata.

The Mayor advised local leaders to work as a team to improve service delivery in their local communities. The town council is currently facing a stalemate because of failure to approve the budgets for service delivery by councillors due to misuse of public funds by top leaders.

The councillors accuse the top leadership of the town council which includes the Mayor, Speaker and Secretaries for failing to allow the council and the district leadership discuss the internal audit report which highlights the misuse of funds meant for the construction of Kajara Road and Taxi Park.

The speaker advised the local leaders to avoid discussing petty issues which are divisive and affect service delivery. The Town Council Speaker also appealed to the local leaders to rather focus on implementing their manifestos to ensure improved livelihoods for the local citizens.