The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Masaka, Ahamada Washaki, has challenged Local Government Council trainers to use their expertise to strengthen local leadership and drive development in communities.
Washaki made the remarks while officiating at the closure of the six days workshop for Local Government Council trainers in Masaka, whom he described as the “cream” of local government and a key resource in shaping effective councils.
He said local governments have been empowered with greater responsibilities to plan and implement development, urging the trainers to equip council leaders with the knowledge and values needed to deliver on this mandate.
He tasked leaders to put public interest first, cautioning that treating leadership as a source of personal benefit can undermine service delivery and create opportunities for corruption.
“Leadership is not a job, it is a responsibility. You are sacrificing yourself to lead others and help your communities move forward,” Washaki said.
Washaki called on trainers to promote integrity and accountability among local leaders, particularly in the management of public resources and delivery of government services.
He further urged councils to take advantage of their mandate to identify local needs, plan effectively and implement development programmes that improve the welfare of communities.
Washaki further empathized that the effectiveness of local leadership will be a major factor in determining which communities make progress in the coming five years.
In his concluding remarks he asked the Local Government Staff to support the Honourable Minister of state for Local Government, Justine Nameere Nsubunga in her efforts to fight corruption in Masaka and the entire country.
