Decentralisation and transformation of governance in Uganda

Delius Asiimwe, Nakanyike Musisi

Uganda's decentralisation policy is one of the most ambitious and radical in sub-Saharan Africa. A long tradition of local government already existed in Uganda in 1986 when the National Resistance Movement came to power, so when the Presidential Policy Statement on decentralisation was issued in 1992, it only formalised and articulated the Ugandan government's commitment to the decentralised system of governance. This commitment was subsequently strengthened and maintained through the provisions of the 1995 Uganda Constitution. Decentralisation led to the devolution of broad powers of administration and implementation to the districts, leaving the centre with responsibility for matters of defence, and law and order. This book examines the decentralisation project after it has been in place for a number of years and deals with crucial issues related to decentralisation.