The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), Ben Kumumanya, in an engagement with the UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda, Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, at the UNDP offices in Kampala to strengthen collaboration on local governance and service delivery.
The meeting highlighted the significant impact of the Market Vendor Management System (MVMS), currently piloted in Busia and Lira markets. The system has notably improved revenue performance, enhanced transparency through full revenue visibility, and promoted data-driven governance within local government markets.
The Permanent Secretary appreciated UNDP’s continued support and called for expanded collaboration, including additional financial assistance, technical expertise, and strategic implementation support to scale the system to more markets across the country. As part of ongoing support, UNDP handed over essential equipment, including printers, laptops, and point of sale devices, to facilitate the effective operation of the MVMS in Busia and Lira markets.
The meeting also addressed the need to induct newly elected local government leaders following recent elections. Both parties agreed on the importance of building capacity to strengthen service delivery at the local level. UNDP committed to supporting Training of Trainers in Local Economic Development (LED), equipping local governments with practical skills to translate development concepts into impactful local initiatives.
In addition, UNDP offered to support the MoLG to strengthen procurement processes in Local Governments. Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor noted, “Our goal is to enhance efficiency and transparency in local government operations, ensuring that development initiatives translate into tangible benefits for communities.”
The Ministry of Local Government has already developed training manuals and requested UNDP’s support in validating the materials, as well as facilitating the rollout of the induction programme support that UNDP pledged to provide.
The engagement reaffirmed the strong partnership between MoLG and UNDP in advancing efficient, accountable, and development oriented local governance in Uganda.