The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has drawn on more than 30 years of his experience in facilitating decentralisation to provide practical guidance to trainers preparing to induct newly elected Local Government Council leaders.
Speaking during the Training of Trainers in Masaka, PS Kumumanya said his extensive experience in the decentralisation system has enabled him to share practical lessons and solutions drawn from real experiences in local governance.
He encouraged trainers to go beyond classroom presentations and ensure that the messages and lessons from the induction are practical, participatory and relevant to the realities council leaders will face in their respective communities.
He also noted that the trainers will be engaging leaders with different backgrounds, experiences and levels of understanding and should therefore be prepared to facilitate meaningful discussions.
Drawing from his experience working with Local Government Councils, PS Kumumanya shared practical approaches to managing disagreements, promoting constructive dialogue and strengthening democratic governance, including respect for majority rule, minority views and consensus building.
PS Kumumanya further reminded the trainers to emphasise Government’s commitment to fighting corruption and promoting accountability in public office. Citing Article 164 of the Constitution, he noted that leaders who misuse public resources or cause financial loss through actions contrary to established rules can be held personally accountable and required to make good the loss, even after leaving office. He urged the trainers to ensure this message reaches council leaders clearly, so they understand from the outset that public office comes with responsibility and accountability to citizens.
He further tasked the trainers to encourage councils to support and promote Government programmes aimed at improving household incomes and lifting citizens out of poverty, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other socio economic transformation programmes,
empassing that when they reach the field, trainers should guide councils to understand their role in mobilising communities, providing oversight and ensuring that these programmes deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary called on the trainers to serve as ambassadors of Government and are expected to pass on these messages when they reach the field, helping councils to work together constructively, respect each other’s roles and support effective service delivery.
