Event reports
Over 40 elected and appointed district leaders attended a training held by Konrad Adenauer
Stiftung (KAS) and the Directorate of National Guidance (DNG) in Masaka. With the
increased appreciation of pluralism amongst the different leaders, the training for the
appointed and elected leaders across the country has created more awareness among the
different leaders about the need to be accommodative and tolerant to each other. This was
confirmed in Masaka during their training when the deputy Resident District Commissioner
for Masaka invited the opposition leaders in the various councils to join hands and work
together. He requested the opposition to invite him to their activities which he will be willing
to attend. In return, he offered the free government airtime available on the different media
stations to the civic education programme. He asked the district leaders to form a taskforce
which would be useful in going to the various media stations. He emphasized the need for
the need for leaders to work together for the betterment of their districts and for effective
service delivery.
Dr. Mutto’s then held a session on “local leaders in good governance in a multiparty
dispensation”, speaking on the role of civic education in nation building and democracy to
improve service delivery. Working together in a pluralistic environment remains a challenge
in Uganda. However, each citizen must take responsibility to improve the country. Dr. Mutto
spoke about the broader concepts underpinning democracy such as the rules and
responsibilities of government and citizens, free and fair elections, mass media, and
business. He emphasized building citizen awareness for these issues and encouraging
citizens to participate in all aspects of society.
Commissioner Kambarage enlightened the participants on their role as district leaders not
representatives of their political parties. He urged them focus their energies on serving their
electorate as opposed to politiquing noting that politics has its time and place in our lives.
On day 2 of the training, Dr. Mutto held a further presentation on the topic of
“Understanding democracy in a multiparty environment: what does it mean for service
delivery? He noted that democracy and human rights are often portrayed as a Western
concept foreign to African societies which was not the case. These human rights must be
protected by the government. Furthermore, elected officials are appointed by the people,
which mean they are in turn accountable to the electorate. Citizens must therefore learn to
hold their politicians accountable.
The Director of Information and National Guidance Mr. Simon Mayende made the closing
remarks urging all leaders to work together. He pledged government support to the districts
especially with regard to timely communication on key policy issues.
