LG PS Kumumanya taps 30 years’ experience to prepare trainers of new Local Council leaders

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has drawn on more than three decades of experience in decentralisation to equip trainers preparing to induct newly elected Local Government Council leaders.
Speaking during the Training of Trainers in Masaka, Kumumanya shared practical lessons from his long experience in local governance, urging trainers to ensure the induction programme goes beyond classroom presentations.
He said the training should be practical, participatory and tailored to the realities council leaders are likely to encounter in their respective communities.
“You will be engaging leaders with different backgrounds, experiences and levels of understanding,” Kumumanya said, urging trainers to facilitate meaningful discussions and encourage participants to learn from one another.
Drawing from his experience working with Local Government Councils, he highlighted practical approaches to managing disagreements, promoting constructive dialogue and strengthening democratic governance.
He emphasised the importance of respecting majority decisions while accommodating minority views and pursuing consensus where possible.
Accountability
Kumumanya also urged the trainers to emphasise the Government’s commitment to fighting corruption and promoting accountability in public office.
Citing Article 164 of the Constitution, he reminded the trainers that public officials who misuse public resources or cause financial loss by acting contrary to established rules can be held personally accountable and required to make good the loss.
He said accountability does not end when a leader leaves office and urged trainers to ensure newly elected council leaders understand from the outset that public office comes with a responsibility to citizens.
Support Government programmes
Kumumanya further tasked trainers with encouraging councils to support and promote Government programmes aimed at improving household incomes and reducing poverty.
He cited the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other socio-economic transformation programmes, saying councils have an important role in mobilising communities, providing oversight and ensuring that Government interventions deliver tangible benefits.
He urged trainers to help council leaders understand their responsibilities in supporting such programmes once they return to their respective communities.
Be Government ambassadors
In his closing remarks, Kumumanya described the trainers as ambassadors of Government and urged them to pass on the key messages effectively when they reach the field.
He said the trainers should help councils work together constructively, respect each other’s roles and promote effective service delivery.
The training is aimed at preparing trainers to equip newly elected Local Government Council leaders with the knowledge and skills required to effectively perform their roles in Uganda’s decentralised system of governance.