Otimong, Kumumanya Task LC Leaders on Corruption, PDM Oversight

By Brian Mugenyi

MAKINDYE-SSABAGABO — Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality Town Clerk, Moses Otimong, has called on newly elected local council leaders to intensify grassroots vigilance against corruption, actively monitor public projects, and report cases of resource misuse to relevant authorities.

Otimong emphasized that village and parish leaders occupy a frontline role in identifying service delivery gaps, mobilizing communities, and enforcing strict oversight on state initiatives.

He made the remarks while welcoming the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, during a two-day induction training for LC1 and LC2 executives at the Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality headquarters on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

“Grassroots leaders must actively fight corruption, monitor government projects, and report any cases of financial abuse,” Otimong stated.

Curbing Nepotism in PDM Implementation

The town clerk highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a priority area requiring rigorous monitoring—particularly regarding the selection of eligible beneficiaries and the fair disbursement of funds.

He warned against nepotism, discrimination, and extortion in the vetting process, demanding complete transparency from local council committees.

Beyond economic monitoring, Otimong urged local council executives to maintain security within their jurisdictions by mediating land boundary disputes, curbing domestic violence, and collaborating with security agencies.

He further tasked the leaders with supporting municipal revenue mobilization efforts to boost local development and improve self-reliance.

Ministry PS Kumumanya Demands Accountability

Presiding over the training, Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya reiterated the need for citizen-centered leadership and absolute transparency in public expenditure.

“You have to be a leader of the people, and your primary responsibility should be serving them,” Kumumanya said, warning specifically against the diversion of public funds earmarked for road infrastructure, healthcare, and schools.

Underscoring the core philosophy of decentralization, Kumumanya urged residents and local authorities to protect PDM resources from predatory exploitation.

“It is not just a government programme; it is a people’s programme,” Kumumanya noted, urging leaders to ensure that public investments deliver tangible benefits to everyday citizens.

Strengthening Municipal Administration

The capacity-building workshop gathered local council leaders representing 55 villages, eight parishes, and three divisions across Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality.

Discussions covered administrative duties, statutory roles, inter-governmental coordination, as well as pressing civic issues including sanitation, waste management laws, air pollution, and road safety.

The writer is a Ugandan local government journalist and a student of Journalism and Mass Communication.

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