Free Access | 2024-04-12

Are political leaders in local governments effective? Gendered perceptions from leaders and communities

Authors/Editors: Ibrahim Kasirye (PhD) ,  Florence Nakazi ,  Mildred Barungi (PhD)

Abstract:

Effective representation of local leaders in politics increases ownership of government policies and programmes. Using date from local government leaders and communities they represent, the brief examines the extent to which the elected leaders in LGs perform their official roles and responsibilities. Findings reveal that men and women leaders exhibited varying performance at the different LG levels. Leaders blame other factors for their failures: (a) Lack of transport means; (b) Delayed disbursement of funds from central government to LGs. Whereas people in the communities blame the leaders for their failures. For leaders to effectively perform their roles, government should: (a) release funds on a timely basis, (b) facilitate LG leaders with transport means to monitor activities, (c) strengthen avenues through which leaders and communities can interact, and (d) strengthen OPM’s oversight and reach out roles to curb corruption and misappropriation of project resources.