* John Kusolo*
KAMPALA, Uganda – The Ministry of Local Government in Uganda, in partnership with the East African County and Local Governments Association (EACLGA), Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA), and the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), is hosting a significant regional forum for cities and local governments from the East African Community (EAC). The event, taking place from November 18th to 21st, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, features the EACLGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 18th and the East African Local Government Forum from November 19th to 21st.
The forum has brought together key stakeholders, including Ministers of Local Government and East African Community Affairs, local government associations, cities, local government representatives, and development partners, to take stock of the EAC integration journey. Discussions are centered around critical themes such as devolution, urbanization challenges, local government contributions to regional integration, and sustainable development.
Earlier today, the EACLGA held its AGM, the highest decision-making body of the association. Members elected a new Executive Committee to serve a two-year term. Dr. Wilson Sanya, Mayor of Koboko Municipality and President of the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), was elected as the new Chairperson of EACLGA. He will be deputized by Hon. Gervais Ngirirwa, President of the Association des Communes du Burundi (ACO-BURUNDI).
Dr. Sanya expressed his commitment to enhancing the role of local governments in advancing the EAC integration agenda. “Our role as local governments is critical in ensuring that the EAC integration benefits every citizen at the grassroots. We aim to strengthen collaboration across borders and address common challenges such as urbanization and service delivery,” he stated.
Membership and Objectives
EACLGA is a regional platform that promotes the interests of local governments within the EAC framework. It is composed of seven key member organizations:
Association des Communes du Burundi (ACO-BURUNDI)
Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT)
County Assemblies Forum, Kenya (CAF)
Council of Governors, Kenya (CoG)
Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA)
Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA)
Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU)
The AGM, which includes representatives from all member associations, has the authority to make decisions on the association's objectives, functions, and activities.
The forum's agenda highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid urbanization across the region. Local governments are at the forefront of addressing issues such as infrastructure development, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and urban poverty. The discussions also focus on the progress and challenges in implementing devolution policies, which are key to empowering local governments to deliver essential services and foster grassroots development.
Local governments play a pivotal role in deepening EAC integration by implementing cross-border programs, enhancing people-to-people connections, and fostering economic collaboration. The forum seeks to align local government strategies with the broader EAC goals, ensuring that the integration process is inclusive and sustainable.
As the East African Local Government Forum continues, stakeholders are expected to adopt resolutions and strategies that will guide local governments in addressing urbanization challenges and advancing regional integration. With new leadership under Dr. Wilson Sanya, EACLGA is poised to strengthen its role as a champion for local governance and development in East Africa.
Comments