Local Governments Need Stronger Watchdogs, Not Just Surprise Inspections

Uganda's Ministry of Local Government, under Minister Balaam Barugahara and Deputy Minister Justine Nameere, is actively combating corruption through surprise inspections of local governments. These visits have successfully identified wrongdoing, resulting in the interdiction or handover to police of several district officials, sending a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.

While these impromptu visits are commendable for their immediate impact and deterrent effect, they are not a sustainable solution. The article argues that they cannot substitute for the established accountability systems and institutions crucial to Uganda's decentralization framework. The Local Governments Act mandates the Ministry to provide guidance, inspection, and monitoring, but the ministers' direct actions, though effective in the short term, highlight systemic weaknesses.

The core issue lies in the systemic nature of corruption, which thrives when accountability structures are weak, underfunded, or unable to fulfill their statutory duties. Institutions like Internal Audit Departments, District Service Commissions, District Land Boards, Local Government Public Accounts Committees (LoGPACs), and Contracts Committees were created to ensure financial accountability and legal compliance. However, many are struggling.

Internal Audit Departments, for instance, are expected to conduct quarterly audits but are often severely underfunded and understaffed. A district might have only two or three audit staff responsible for overseeing numerous departments and institutions, leading to heavy workloads, delayed audits, and weakened financial oversight. A 2022 assessment revealed that while these institutions exist, their visibility, influence, and overall effectiveness have significantly declined due to substantial operational challenges.