By Hannah Stacey Baluka. Hannah is a lawyer and project lead with Femme Forte Uganda, with a growing interest in corporate governance, organizational culture, and gender equality.
Uganda, a country with abundant resources and a vibrant population, has the potential to lead Africa in development. However, this potential is stifled by pervasive corruption, a significant barrier to progress. Recently, protests have erupted across the country, with citizens demanding greater accountability from their leaders. These protests are not just about calling out corruption, but they are about reclaiming the future of locally led development in Uganda.
The Impact of Corruption on Locally-Led Development.
Locally-led development is grounded in the principle that communities know best what they need and how to achieve it. It emphasizes grassroots participation, transparency, and accountability. However, corruption undermines these principles by diverting resources away from community-driven initiatives and into the hands of a few.
In Uganda, this is evident in how public funds intended for local development projects are often misappropriated. Whether it's a school that remains unfinished, a healthcare center without medicine, or a road that deteriorates shortly after construction, the consequences of corruption are felt most acutely at the community level. These failures not only hinder development but also erode the trust and motivation needed for communities to take the lead for progress.
Protests: A Demand for Accountability in Development
The recent protests across Uganda are a powerful reminder that citizens are not passive recipients of development. They are active stakeholders. These protests highlight the growing frustration with the disconnect between the promises of development and the reality of unmet needs in communities. When leaders engage in corrupt practices, they effectively silence the voices of the people and derail the progress of locally led initiatives.
Citizens are calling for a new model of development, one where they have a say in how resources are allocated and where transparency is non-negotiable. They are demanding that leaders prioritize the needs of the many over the greed of the few, and that locally-led development be given the space and support it deserves.
The Role of Civil Society and Grassroots Organisations
Civil society organisations (CSOs) and grassroots groups are at the forefront of the fight against corruption in Uganda. These organisations are essential in advocating for transparency, educating communities about their rights, and holding leaders accountable. They are also crucial in promoting locally-led development by ensuring that the voices of the marginalised are heard and that development projects are implemented in a way that reflects the true needs of the community.
However, the effectiveness of these organisations is often hampered by corruption. When resources intended for community programs are diverted, CSOs struggle to maintain their operations and sustain the momentum of locally-led initiatives. This not only slows down development but also discourages community participation, as people lose faith in the possibility of real change.
A Call to Action: Empowering Communities Through Integrity
To overcome the challenges posed by corruption, Uganda must commit to a development model that empowers communities through integrity and accountability. This means creating robust mechanisms for monitoring the use of public funds, ensuring that corruption is met with swift and severe consequences, and fostering a culture of transparency at all levels of government.
Empowering local communities to lead their own development is not just a moral obligation. It is a practical necessity. When communities are in control, they are more likely to ensure that development projects meet their needs and are completed effectively. This, in turn, leads to more sustainable outcomes and builds a stronger foundation for long-term progress.
The Path Forward for Uganda
The recent protests in Uganda are a clear signal that the people are ready for change. They are demanding a development model that puts communities at the center and holds leaders accountable for their actions. For Uganda to unlock its full potential, corruption must be eradicated, and locally-led development must be championed. The future of the nation depends on it.
By embracing transparency, integrity, and community empowerment, Uganda can pave the way for a new era of development, one that is truly by the people for the people.
Edited by Nipuna Kumbalathara, Communications Lead at CIVICUS.
Femme Forte is in partnership with CIVICUS on the Local Leadership Labs (LLL), an initiative focused on accelerating systemic changes towards locally-led development.
Photo by Ugandan Crafts on Unsplash
