Minister Balaam Launches Nationwide Induction for New Local Government Councils

Minister of State for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has officially launched the 2026 Induction of Local Government Councils. This program marks the commencement of a nationwide effort to guide and train newly elected leaders across 35 local governments.

The induction, which began in Masindi District, is designed for local government leaders and technical staff who took office between May 13 and May 29, 2026. Funded by the Ugandan government, the program aims to enhance the capacity of these officials to perform their duties effectively, ensure lawful decision-making, and improve the quality of services provided at the grassroots level.

During the launch, Minister Balaam emphasized the critical importance of accountability and the responsible use of public funds. He urged leaders to actively combat corruption and protect public resources, warning that misuse of office and illegal procurement would not be tolerated.

Minister Balaam highlighted that the induction is particularly necessary given that some local governments have faced issues such as corruption allegations, irregular recruitment processes, and procurement challenges. He encouraged the newly elected councils to leverage this training to reform their governance approaches and prioritize citizen-focused service delivery.

Further strengthening transparency, Minister Balaam directed all local governments to allow media access to council sittings, drawing a parallel to parliamentary proceedings. He also mandated the public display of approved budgets on notice boards, enabling citizens to monitor expenditure and engage in community-led oversight.

The induction program will focus on critical areas including financial management, oversight functions, and the legal responsibilities of local government leaders. This initiative aligns with President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to strengthen grassroots anti-corruption efforts.

Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, confirmed government funding for this exercise, which will span districts, cities, municipalities, and sub-counties during the 2026/2027 financial year. Participants will receive key legal documents and handbooks to aid their work. The induction is initially being rolled out in 35 local governments as part of a broader anti-corruption campaign in the Bunyoro sub-region, with plans for eventual expansion nationwide to foster better leadership and service delivery.

For more details, please refer to the Nile Post.