The Ministry of Local Government has concluded a four-day induction training for lower local government leaders in Kayunga District, urging them to adhere to established laws, regulations and administrative procedures to improve service delivery, accountability and community development.
The training, held at the Kayunga District headquarters, aimed to equip local leaders with the knowledge and practical tools needed to manage their respective councils effectively, strengthen governance and respond to the needs of the communities they serve.
Jackine Kemigisha, a commissioner in the Ministry of Local Government, said the induction had provided participants with essential knowledge to improve their performance and ensure that local government institutions operate in accordance with the law.
Kemigisha said the training was particularly important in preparing leaders to fulfil their responsibilities effectively during their current term of office, noting that a proper understanding of leadership procedures and legal requirements was critical to achieving better results.
“We have equipped these leaders with the necessary information and tools to enable them to provide better leadership and improve service delivery in their respective local governments,” Kemigisha said.
She emphasised that local leaders needed to put the knowledge acquired into practice rather than treat the induction as a routine exercise.
Among the key reference materials provided to participants were a training manual, the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, and the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. The materials are intended to help leaders understand their legal mandates, administrative responsibilities and the procedures governing the day-to-day operations of local councils.
Kemigisha said access to these resources would enable leaders to make informed decisions, plan effectively and conduct council business in accordance with the law.
“Without these tools and the necessary knowledge, it becomes difficult for local leaders to serve their communities appropriately. This is one of the gaps we have been addressing, and we expect to see improvement in service delivery following this training,” she said.
She added that proper planning, adherence to established procedures and responsible use of available resources were essential for lower local governments to achieve their development objectives.
The commissioner also urged leaders to use the knowledge acquired to strengthen administration in their respective councils, improve coordination with technical officers and ensure that government programmes translate into tangible benefits for local communities.
The induction comes at a time when lower local government leaders are expected to play a critical role in implementing government policies, identifying community priorities and monitoring development programmes at the grassroots.
Effective leadership at this level is essential because local councils serve as a link between communities and higher levels of government, helping identify service delivery challenges and ensuring that public resources address local needs.
Participants welcomed the Ministry of Local Government's initiative, describing the training as an opportunity to strengthen their leadership capacity and gain a clearer understanding of their responsibilities.
They expressed appreciation for the knowledge and reference materials provided, saying these would guide them in carrying out their duties and making decisions in accordance with the law.
The leaders also pledged to apply the knowledge acquired during the four-day exercise, expressing confidence that the training would improve their ability to serve their communities.
They said the additional knowledge would help them handle their responsibilities more effectively, particularly in council administration, planning and the implementation of development programmes.
With the induction concluded, the responsibility now rests with the trained leaders to translate the lessons learnt into practical action. The Ministry expects the training to contribute to improved governance, accountability and service delivery across lower local governments in Kayunga District.