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The Political Context of Financing Infrastructure Development in Local Government: Lessons from Local Council Oversight Functions in Uganda

Research Series

The Political Context of Financing Infrastructure Development in Local Government: Lessons from Local Council Oversight Functions in Uganda

Political Context of Financing Infrastructure Development in Local Government - Lessons from Local Council Oversight Functions in Uganda: In Uganda, local governance has vacillated between tight central control and decentralisation. It is in the era of decentralisation which began in 1993 that local governments attained responsibility over infrastructure development while elected councils exercise oversight functions over infrastructure. The average contribution of local revenue to local governments' annual budget is only 2-3%. Therefore, the infrastructure is largely financed by the central government resulting in a 'patron-client' relationship. In addition, most transfers from central government are in the form of sector conditional grants, leaving local governments unable to re-allocate resources to meet priority needs of their communities. This paper considers various issues surrounding local government such as financing, oversight functions and emerging policy issues of infrastructure development. It also highlights some recommendations so as to remove the impediments that constrain local governments and local councils from performing their respective functions effectively.

Date: 2012-12-01
Author: Geoffrey B Tukahebwa
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  • Published Dec 1, 2012
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