Members of Parliament on the Public Service Committee have raised concerns over persistent funding gaps, poor facilitation, and weak implementation affecting local governments, warning that service delivery will remain compromised without urgent intervention.
The Shadow Minister for Local Government who also doubles as Wakiso Woman Representative , Betty Ethel Naluyima, said that despite ongoing budget processes, the sector continues to face critical shortcomings, including failure to induct leaders and lack of capacity building among staff.
During a meeting ,of the Public Service and Local Government Committee , chaired by Pius Wakabi Rujumba, the Member of Parliament for Bugahya County in Hoima District ,Naluyima also pointed to structural challenges in financing, noting that funds intended for local governments are often retained at the central level, limiting their impact at the grassroots.
Naluyima called for increased allocations to the sector, alongside improved welfare for local leaders. She proposed salary enhancements for district chairpersons, municipal mayors, and council speakers, as well as facilitation for sub-county chiefs and other front-line officials with motorcycles or bicycles to ease service delivery.
“Service delivery starts with local governments. However much we allocate at the centre, when local governments lack resources, Ugandans will still suffer,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Yovan Adriko, also a member of the committee, acknowledged the challenges but said Parliament has already considered improvements in remuneration for local government leaders, with the focus now shifting to implementation.
Adriko, who cited his experience working with local governments, said the sector continues to face salary constraints, though some increments have been proposed across different leadership levels.
He stressed the importance of strengthening local revenue collection to supplement central government funding, urging local leaders to prioritize mobilization and accountability.
Adriko also raised concerns about corruption and lack of transparency in local governments, warning that funds sent to districts and cities are not always properly accounted for.
“Government is trying to send money to the districts and cities, but the challenge is transparency. Leaders must be faithful and accountable to the people,” he said.
The MPs said they will continue pushing for reforms to ensure local governments are better funded, more accountable, and capable of delivering services effectively at the grassroots level.
