PS Kumumanya Urges LC Leaders to Fight Corruption and Safeguard PDM Funds

What the report says

Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Local Government, has called on newly elected local council leaders in Wakiso District to focus on service delivery, accountability and citizen-centered governance. According to Watchdog Uganda, he made the remarks during an induction session for LC1 and LC2 executives at Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality headquarters on October 13, 2026.

Kumumanya told the leaders that they are the closest link between residents and government, and urged them to act in the public interest. He cautioned against corruption and the misuse of money meant for community priorities such as roads, while emphasizing that local officials should be attentive to complaints and community needs. He also highlighted the Parish Development Model, saying leaders must help protect its funds and ensure beneficiaries understand and safeguard the programme as their own.

The meeting brought together leaders from 55 villages, eight parishes and three divisions to discuss administration, mobilisation and monitoring of public services. Local leaders used the forum to raise concerns about low allowances, road safety, boundary-related stamp misuse, waste management and environmental issues. Ministry officials and municipal administrators said such engagements are meant to improve coordination between grassroots structures and technical departments, and to support better local service delivery. In general, Uganda’s decentralised system depends heavily on these lower local council units for dispute handling, oversight and community mobilisation.