Uganda’s local government trainers have been urged to prepare newly elected leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen governance and improve service delivery.
The call was made by Swizin Mugyema Kinga, Commissioner in the Local Councils Research and Development Department, at a Training of Trainers workshop in Masaka.
Mugyema said trainers would represent the Ministry of Local Government and the government when they conduct induction programmes for newly elected local government councils.
He urged them to approach the task with professionalism, teamwork and a positive attitude, saying they must be prepared to address a wide range of questions on local governance.
“Trainers should look beyond their individual areas of expertise,” he said, highlighting issues including decentralisation, democracy, representation and the legal framework governing local governments.
Mugyema also called on trainers to help local government leaders understand the constitutional and democratic processes through which they were elected.
He cautioned trainers against allowing personal perceptions of individual leaders to influence the induction process, saying the focus should instead be on strengthening local government institutions.
The induction programme is intended to equip newly elected local government leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools required to provide effective leadership and improve service delivery.
Mugyema said deliberate preparation and capacity building were essential if local leaders were to effectively fulfil their responsibilities to communities.
