Local governments need stronger watchdogs, not just surprise inspections

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Uganda’s Ministry of Local Government, led by Balaam Barugahara and deputy Justine Nameere, has been using surprise visits to districts to uncover corruption and mismanagement, with some officials later suspended or referred to police. The article says these inspections have produced quick results and signaled tougher enforcement, but argues they cannot replace the standing oversight systems created under the country’s decentralisation framework.

The piece says local government accountability depends on institutions such as Internal Audit Departments, District Service Commissions, District Land Boards, Local Government Public Accounts Committees (LoGPACs) and Contracts Committees. According to the report, many of these bodies are weak because of limited funding, poor staffing and a lack of training. It cites an assessment by the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) of 26 district local governments in 2022, which found declining effectiveness across these structures and gave LoGPACs an average score of 54 out of 100.

The article highlights examples of under-resourcing, including a case in Amuria District where committee funding fell far short of what was needed to carry out statutory work. It also notes that only four of the 26 districts reviewed had inducted LoGPAC members. The broader argument is that ministerial inspections should support, not substitute for, stronger internal watchdogs that can detect problems before they become scandals.