Uganda is implementing a 10-year Local Government Sector Investment Plan (LGSIP), covering the period 2006-2016. The LGSIP is an elaborate framework for planning, prioritising, coordinating and implementing strategic interventions supporting the national decentralisation policy. Government authorities however, have traditionally tended to work in isolation with minimal consultation with civil society.
To bridge this gap, the Ugandan Environmental Education Foundation (UEEF) organised and conducted a series of informal and formal stakeholder workshops. These workshops formed the initial stage of a public participation process integrated into the local government authorities’ project. The main aim of these workshops was to mobilise inclusion of national non-government organisations (NGOs) and encourage local government authorities and civil society to work closer together in the implementation of the LGSIP.
The workshops yielded some immediate constructive outcomes: establishment of an environment advocacy coalition spearheading advocacy issues in the environment and natural resources sector within the LGSIP; and a monitoring and evaluation tool developed to help coalition members undertake effective monitoring and evaluation of the LGSIP.
The Local Government Authority supported civic participation in the consultation process and announced that it would ensure application of workshops recommendations to improve implementation of LGSIP.
The positive working relationship developed as a result supports a model for future cooperation assisting local government authorities to apply principles of good governance including participation by all, transparency, responsiveness; equity and inclusiveness; effectiveness and efficiency; and accountability.
Theme Linkages
Good governance
Increased civil participation in key decision-making processes; developed mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of local government actions; promoted responsiveness, transparency and accountability of local government actions.
Contribution to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Target 7a: Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes; reverse loss of environmental resources.
Contact Ugandan Environmental Education Foundation for more information
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