ENTEBBE, Uganda — The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Ben Kumumanya, has challenged Ugandan leaders to move beyond discussing personalities and instead embrace ideas, accountability, professionalism and merit-based leadership as the country advances its socio-economic transformation agenda.
Kumumanya made the remarks during an engagement with Town Clerks and local government officials at Peniel Beach in Entebbe Municipality, where he urged leaders to prioritise practical solutions that improve service delivery, strengthen institutions and create opportunities for citizens.
The meeting was attended by the Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, His Worship Fabrice Brad Rulinda, Town Clerks, technical officers and other local government stakeholders.
Focus on Ideas, Not Personalities
Kumumanya said the success of Uganda’s transformation depends on leaders who generate innovative ideas, plan strategically and ensure public investments deliver tangible benefits to communities.
“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events and weak minds discuss people,” he said.
He urged leaders to stop dwelling on personalities and instead prepare their communities to seize emerging development opportunities.
“We should focus on ideas that transform our communities and position places like Entebbe for bigger opportunities and sustainable development,” he said.
Local Governments Key to National Development
The Permanent Secretary described local governments as the engine of national development because they are closest to the people and best understand the challenges affecting communities.
He pledged continued support from the Ministry of Local Government, encouraging local leaders to seek guidance whenever necessary.
“Organise and call us whenever you need us. We shall come and support you,” Kumumanya said.
He stressed that meaningful transformation can only be achieved through collaboration between central government, local authorities and citizens.
“I am confident that if we work together with a shared vision, we shall achieve social transformation,” he added.
Accountability Must Drive Development
Kumumanya emphasised that accountability should form the foundation of effective leadership and service delivery.
He encouraged local governments to work closely with oversight institutions such as the Office of the Auditor General, the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Works and Transport to evaluate performance, identify gaps and improve public services.
He said these institutions should be viewed not as fault-finders but as partners in strengthening governance and ensuring value for public resources.
“Leaders must be willing to assess their performance, correct mistakes and continuously improve planning and implementation,” he said.
Strengthening Collaboration with Technical Ministries
Kumumanya also advised local governments to utilise the expertise available within central government ministries whenever specialised technical support is required.
He urged Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Mayors, Town Clerks and other leaders to consult relevant ministries when dealing with complex issues, particularly in infrastructure development.
Using road construction as an example, he said technical matters such as engineering designs, bridge construction and road alignment should always be handled with guidance from qualified experts.
He noted that stronger collaboration between local governments and technical ministries would safeguard public investments and improve the quality of service delivery.
Merit-Based Recruitment Essential
The Permanent Secretary further cautioned local governments against irregular recruitment practices, stressing that appointments should be based solely on competence, professionalism and merit.
“Local government recruitment should be based on merit and without mistakes,” he said.
According to Kumumanya, placing qualified people in the right positions is essential for building strong institutions capable of delivering quality services to citizens.
Progress in Uganda’s Socio-Economic Transformation
Kumumanya said Uganda has made significant progress in reducing poverty and increasing participation in the money economy.
He noted that national poverty levels have declined substantially over the past two decades, while more Ugandans are now earning incomes and participating in economic activities.
He attributed the progress to government interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities across the country.
Call for Reform in Entebbe
Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda called on the municipality’s leaders to embrace reforms that address residents’ concerns and improve public service delivery.
“As Entebbe, I am reminding the new leaders that the last people who left have never spoken, but today we hope for reforms,” Rulinda said.
He urged leaders to remain responsive to citizens’ needs and use their mandate to drive meaningful change in the municipality.
A Vision for Transformation
In his closing remarks, Kumumanya said Entebbe, Uganda’s former administrative capital, should continue to serve as a model of good governance and development.
“Entebbe must shine. It was Uganda’s first headquarters and remains a place of great historical importance,” he said.
He added that visionary leadership, accountability and sound planning would enable both Entebbe and the rest of Uganda to realise lasting socio-economic transformation.
The engagement concluded with a shared call for leaders at all levels to champion innovation, strengthen accountability, uphold merit in public service and ensure that government investments translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
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