UNDP, MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT EQUIP BUVUMA LEADERS WITH EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE SKILLS 

By: Wasswa Zebio Buvuma

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), has concluded a three-day induction and orientation programme through which Buvuma District leaders have been equipped with knowledge and skills for effective governance, accountability and service delivery.

The induction, funded by UNDP and organised by the Ministry of Local Government, started on August 31 and ended on September 2, 2026, at Buvuma Palm Resort Hotel. It brought together members of the District Council, statutory bodies, Heads of Departments and key section heads.

Speaking at the opening, Ms Annet Mpabulungi Wakabi, UNDP Uganda Team Leader in charge of Governance and Peace, described the orientation as an important foundation for the new term of leadership.

“This orientation is really a foundation for you as you start a new term as the elected councillors for this area. It sets the foundation for a new social contract between you and the people that elected you,” she said.

She said the induction would equip leaders with the knowledge, values and practical skills needed to improve decision-making, strengthen collaboration between political and technical leaders and build a lasting legacy. She added that UNDP’s support for the exercise is part of its broader commitment to accountable governance and decentralisation in Uganda.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr Buule Moses Kizito, thanked UNDP and the Ministry of Local Government for supporting the induction and urged the new leaders to learn from experienced leaders, maintain unity and respect one another’s mandates.

“Go to the ground and pick your people’s problems. We should not fight. Our main goal is to serve the people who voted us. Let us desist from corruption,” Mr Buule said.

Buvuma District LCV Chairperson, Mr Oheng Nixon, said he was optimistic that the orientation would transform the mindset of leaders and enable them to work more harmoniously.

“We are optimistic that the orientation will change our mindset. This will help us perform without contradiction. Let us force ourselves to learn,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy CAO Mr Wanyama Geoffrey Maurice urged participants to make maximum use of the orientation and ensure that its benefits extend beyond the current five-year term.

“The benefits of this orientation should last beyond five years. We must learn the scope of our work. We receive little funding yet we have so many problems,” he said.

Another category of leaders, including Sub-county Councillors, Chairpersons, Sub-county Chiefs and Town Clerks, is undergoing induction from Thursday, September 3, to September 11, 2026.

The induction is expected to strengthen collaboration between political and technical leaders, improve planning and oversight, promote accountability and ultimately enhance service delivery to the people of Buvuma District.