Archival Sense
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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The Ministry of Local Government has directed all local governments across Uganda to allow members of the press to attend council sittings, in a move aimed at strengthening transparency, public accountability and citizens’ access to information about decisions made in their communities.
In a directive dated August 11, 2026, Minister in charge of Local Government Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi instructed all LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, division mayors and council speakers to implement the measure with immediate effect.
The directive is intended to enable the public to follow council debates, decisions and the conduct of public business in their respective local governments.
“Allow members of the press access to all council sittings,” the directive states, adding that the measure is meant to promote transparency, accountability and public awareness.
The directive also requires local governments to make their approved budgets publicly accessible by displaying them on the main council notice board and other public notice boards that can easily be accessed by residents.
The ministry said this would promote what it described as “people led audits,” while strengthening transparency and accountability at the local government level.
The ministry argues that greater media access to local government proceedings will give citizens a clearer view of how their councils deliberate, make decisions and conduct public business.
According to the ministry, publicly displaying approved budgets will allow people to establish what has been budgeted for their respective areas and subsequently follow up on the implementation of projects and delivery of services.
The directive places responsibility on local government leaders to take personal leadership in ensuring its implementation and to report any challenges encountered through the appropriate channels.
The ministry has also directed joint security teams, council enforcement officers and other relevant authorities to support local governments in implementing and enforcing the measures.
The ministry said the broader objective is to put citizens’ interests at the center of local governance by promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public affairs.
