General
Decentralisation – A Condition, Process or Mystery?
Decentralisation is a term that has been flung around governance circles so frequently that the last thing you would expect to find is an almost-packed Makerere University Main Hall in the midst the busy season of tests. On 4th November 2014, the University Forum on Governance (UNIFOG) in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) organized a panel discussion on Seventeen Years of Decentralisation: Opportunities, Challenges and Outlook for Uganda and at the close of the day, the audience left with a greater sense of appreciation of what they thought they knew but actually knew not.
“Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s interest in decentralisation in Uganda stems from our own political background where Germany’s decentralised system of governance was established in 1949 by the Allied Forces after World War II. Nevertheless Federalism has turned out to be the most valuable assets to Germany for on the good side it has increased accountability but on the negative side, slowed down legislation” said Ms. Maike Messerschmidt, KAS’ Programme Officer for Uganda and South Sudan in her introductory remarks.
KAS’ activities in Uganda are focused on strengthening the multiparty democratic system through the promotion of good governance and leadership. Ms. Messerschmidt noted that decentralisation as a process of redistributing power from the centre plays a crucial role in the development of any country and hoped that the day’s panel discussion would greatly contribute to the ongoing debate on the same.
Any system that aspires to have nationwide impact ought to be supported in its operations by a cohesive force of both volunteers and societal leaders at all levels. As such, the Uganda Local Governments’ Association (ULGA) was established in 1994 as the National Association of Local Governments of Uganda; a private non-profit body. To review Uganda’s decentralisation framework as well as share challenges and opportunities the structures present, UNIFOG invited ULGA Secretary General Ms. Rose Gertrude Gamwera, whose presentation painted a vivid picture of the actual situation on the ground.
“Good afternoon Councilors” she greeted, with the audience reluctant to respond, thinking that maybe she was addressing the wrong forum. They would however soon learn that everyone above eighteen years is a Local Government Councilor and that the Village Council is the primary platform to promote citizen participation in democratic control and decision making, “you can see that you have already been given the opportunity at village level 1. It is time for you to take the reins and utilize that platform,” challenged Ms. Gamwera. She nevertheless noted that Decentralisation had empowered Local governments to build economic bases so as to become financially independent, “These structures have been empowered to come up with their own budgets, generate and collect more revenue and in addition to that, they receive a stipend through Central government transfers to run services, although I hasten to add that we are becoming more dependent on that.” Ms. Gamwera also noted that Local Government structures open up room for employment and provide an avenue for Government to conduct its oversight function on national programmes.
Decentralisation has however encountered its fair share of challenges, the biggest arising from the creation of new districts. “This resulted in increased Administrative costs and some local governments could just not be operationalised,” shared Ms. Gamwera. She also cited failure to effectively conduct elections due to high expenses associated with the process, low caliber of political leaders due to the absence of a minimum qualification limit, conflicts arising from different multiparty dispensations, and poor remuneration as challenges that continued to dog decentralisation. She however noted that Uganda’s decentralisation drive was progressing well despite these challenges “as long as we are committed, decisive and there is good will on the part of policy makers, decision makers and implementers, we can make it” she resolved.
With the audience now fully aware of what was on the ground, Dr. Yasin Olum, an Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, CHUSS presented the academic side with the aim of providing possible policy options to improve the decentralisation system. Starting off with the concept and theory of decentralisation, Dr. Olum questioned “Is it a condition or a process? There are those that see it as a process and others as a condition, which presents us with an area for debate” said Dr. Olum. Touching on the forms of decentralisation, he also pondered which one was most suitable for Uganda, “is it De-concentration, Devolution, Delegation or even a fourth which is subject to contest-Privatization”
Dr. Olum further expounded on the three theories of decentralisation as; Liberal, Public Choice-the views of economists on decentralized state and Marxist-the analysis of the state at the local level. “From my assessment, Uganda seems to be unconsciously implementing decentralisation by applying either the liberal and partly the public choice and not the Marxist” he noted. He however suggested that the Marxist theory be used to understand and propose an alternative to Uganda’s decentralisation because the practices as shared by ULGA necessitated that decentralisation be located in a much wider economic and political setting in which Local Governments are situated.
Examining the methodological issues of understanding decentralisation, Dr. Olum noted that the terms centralization and decentralisation had left nation like Uganda that practices a mix of both with no middle term to describe the present situation. He further noted that the absence of indices to measure the efficacy of certain practices presented a challenge. “How do you measure decentralized power? There is a tendency to compare two different countries simply because they are implementing decentralisation or indeed comparing one country based on a single time period as if these different eras at the time of comparison are the same. I think we need to be a little bit careful” he advised. He also noted a problem of differential deficiencies-the difficulty in differentiating the degrees of decentralisation within a single country at a given time. “Are the districts being compared the same in terms of resources or geographical size?” he pondered in a bid to further clarify his point.
In an analysis of the conditions for successful implementation of decentralisation, Dr. Olum asked participants to ponder whether the spaces created for citizen participation were actual or pseudo and furthermore reflect upon whether there was political and civil will for decentralisation at the various levels. “Do leaders have the commitment to participate simply because you have established the structures or would they rather engage in their own activities and not go to this forum?” asked Dr. Olum. He further warned all stakeholders not to “romanticize decentralisation as if it was the best thing that ever happened.” With regard to proposing possible policy option, Dr. Olum agitated for the political-economy approach that guaranteed a clear understanding of the local, national and international terrains in which decentralisation is supposed to operate.
He called for an examination of the ecological surroundings that addresses inequalities in urban and rural areas to enhance the construction of local democratic states. “We should also look at the political constraints that may affect the process of governance. We are in the era of corporatization and so we have to be very careful if we are to talk about decentralisation in a climate where the country is emphasizing marketization and corporatization.” He stressed the need to conduct empirical research on decentralisation of power with a view of unearthing whether it has led to a change in the behavior of actors rather than the formal organisational relationships. “We need to ask; has decentralisation made people better, has it changed their behavior or are they still living as the centralized?” pondered Dr. Olum.
The historical perspective of any matter always provides valuable input into any debate. Contributing to the discussion, Dr. Simba Kayunga Ssali, Lecturer-Department of Political Science, CHUSS noted that “When you look at the history of centre-local government relations, an interesting phase could be traced to the early 1940s when the British Government started the so-called indirect rule. Any good student of Uganda’s centre-local government relations will note that Uganda was operating a very detailed decentralized system of government between 1955 and 1965.” Dr. Simba decried the lack of willingness by the current policy makers and implementers to examine the challenges faced by decentralisation then so as to better implement it today.
He supported Dr. Olum’s proposal to use the Marxist theory to better evaluate the notion that the cause of underdevelopment is over-centralization Dr. Simba noted that “Decentralisation understood the causes of underdevelopment from an organisational perspective; that we were underdeveloped because of our internal crises, hence excluding the global factors which have led us into poverty” he said, further adding “And as long as we carry on with a development paradigm which excludes our global connections, that paradigm cannot lead us into economic transformation.” Dr. Simba however took difference to the earlier suggestion that low levels of education were a hindrance to effective service delivery. Quoting from the 17th Century French revolution, Dr. Simba observed that “’There is no correlation between high attainance of education and sensitivity to people’s needs.’ The fact that you are more educated does not mean that you are more sensitive to the needs of the people” summed up Dr. Simba.
The notion of decentralisation as an answer to underdevelopment once again resurfaced in the panel discussion when Dr. Sarah Ssali, Senior Lecturer-Department of Women and Gender Studies, CHUSS took to the podium. “Were the donors thinking the same thing when they pushed decentralisation as a conditionality for aid and as a way of reducing the powers of the state to impact on the local level?” she pondered. She also wondered whether the politicians and donors were posing these questions from the same source of inspiration and whether the eventual beneficiary community did not just see it as another opportunity to secure jobs for their children. “My considered opinion is that we are talking about different things although they are all thoughts about decentralisation as a system of governance” she added.
Evaluating the progresses and regresses as a result of decentralisation, Dr. Ssali noted that “All those who have looked at service sectors of health and education have come up with simple before and after study reports and no one is wondering where funding to put up these buildings is coming from! If you can find a building that has been put up by the district I think you will be very lucky” she challenged. She observed that most of the infrastructure had been developed as a result of conditional grants from government or partnerships with other donors. Still in line with finance and revenue, Dr. Ssali noted that “85% of district revenues come from the centre in form of conditional grants and no district; apart from Kampala can raise more than 5% of its revenue, implying that they are all dependent on the centre.” She therefore wondered whether we were talking about actual decentralisation as a country.
She also called for an evaluation of the distinct gap in knowledge and skills between the highly-educated technocrats who run the districts and lower qualified leaders who constitute the councils “And so you are promoting the elite capture from the urban to the rural areas. But elite capture is not just about educated people because we have the rural elite who are likely to secure the position by virtue of their family status. Will these then relate with people for purposes of self aggrandizement or will they work for public good?” she wondered out loud. She noted that this could lead to a perpetual source of disappointment between councilors and their electorate. In conclusion she noted that whereas decentralisation had created an opportunity for several players other than that state to contribute to political debate, it had also provided a way for donors to directly access the people thereby leading to a question of who actually owned and run the process.
The day’s moderator Mr. Maurice Mugisha-Nation Media Group (NMG) then opened up the debate to members of the audience. Contributors then raised issues ranging from; structures without actual power at decentralized levels, the high cost of public administration especially at newly created districts, political differences interfering service delivery due to lack of consensus, the absence of sound revenue bases implying that districts implemented very little of planned projects, all the way to lack of substantively appointed officials at the District level. In the responses that followed, Ms. Gamwera noted that ULGA and the government are coming up with statutory instruments to complement the Local Government framework and help implement devolution of power and capacity building for Local Government leaders. She also noted that interviews were ongoing to recruit Chief Administrative Officers to fill the vacant positions at Districts. Dr. Sarah Ssali noted that decentralisation had empowered people to demand for accountability despite the fact that their power to implement is hampered by delayed transfer of resources from the centre and lack of capacity to raise their own revenue.
With regard to the evaluating the level of decentralisation of power, Dr. Yasin Olum advised assessors to examine the extent of either De-concentration, Devolution or Delegation of power in the Financial, Political and Personnel aspects of governance. He urged participants not to look at either centralization or decentralisation as the cause of underdevelopment but rather consider other global factors. Regarding the complexities presented by multi-ethnic 
districts in that there was no unifying local language to guide debates, Dr. Simba Ssali noted that knowledge or lack of knowledge of the English language had no bearing whatsoever of one’s being knowledgeable or not; emphasizing that knowledge existed outside formal education systems. He urged Local Government Authorities to localize decentralisation concepts so as to prevent all attempts at programme implementation being shunned as elitist by rural populations.
At the conclusion of the session, UNIFOG’s Executive Secretary Mr. Bruce Kabaasa thanked all the panelists and participants for the lively debate, “I want to encourage you to pay as much attention as possible and also look forward to many such debates in the future in order to broaden your knowledge of the very issues that surround us in society,” he said. Mr. Kabaasa also thanked Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for not only going beyond their original scope and supporting more engagements than initially agreed upon but also promising to make future engagements more engaging. He prayed that all stakeholders would continue to find these panel discussions as valuable avenues of knowledge generation and sharing.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Celebrates the Last Cohort of Phase One Graduates
At the just-concluded 76th Graduation Ceremony at Makerere University, which took place between 24th and 27th February 2026, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University celebrated the graduation of the final Cohort of 10 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from the first phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2013-2023). This brings the total number of graduates from Phase One to 974 out of the 1,032 Mastercard Foundation Scholars recruited.
Who are these 10 graduates, and what are their dreams and aspirations?
ACOLA Jackline graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology from the College of Natural Sciences. Her passion for nature and commitment to addressing environmental issues, including degradation, pollution, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, have motivated her to pursue a career in conservation. As a conservation biologist, Jackline’s primary objective is to ensure that natural resources and the environment are preserved in their pristine state. She is dedicated to promoting sustainable resource utilisation and advocating for eco-friendly business practices. To achieve this, she plans to implement comprehensive conservation education initiatives for the general public.
AJIAMBO Eunice graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. She is motivated and detail-oriented, with a strong academic foundation in accounting, taxation, finance, and business management. Her programme provided her with practical knowledge and analytical skills relevant to today’s dynamic commercial environment. During her academic journey, she developed a strong interest in taxation and financial compliance. She undertook coursework and case studies that enhanced her understanding of corporate taxation, value-added tax, financial reporting, and business decision-making. These experiences strengthened her ability to analyse financial information, interpret regulations, and apply commercial principles effectively. Eunice aspires to build a professional career in finance and taxation, with a focus on tax advisory, revenue administration, and corporate finance. She is passionate about ethical business practices and believes that effective financial management and tax compliance are essential for sustainable economic growth.
Dr. AKITE Flowrence graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, a testament to resilience and support. Losing her father at a young age could have derailed her aspirations, but instead, it fueled her determination to succeed. Throughout her academic career, she received encouragement and assistance from generous individuals who recognised her outstanding academic achievements. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, she not only excelled academically but also actively engaged in her community, treating animals as she gained experience as a vet student. In her hometown of Dokolo, Northern Uganda, she has played a vital role in treating animals and enhancing the health and welfare of local livestock.
AUMA Barbra attained a Bachelor of Arts with Education, representing a significant milestone in her educational journey. Hailing from a modest family of eight children, she faced numerous challenges on her path to higher education, particularly after her father, a security guard, was unable to fund her university tuition following her Senior Six. Consequently, her graduation not only signifies a personal accomplishment but also embodies a remarkable triumph over adversity. Her academic excellence earned her a place in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, a pivotal opportunity that enabled her to pursue her dreams. Barbra is particularly dedicated to advocating for girls’ education.
Dr. BABALANDA Immaculate is a dedicated veterinary professional who recently completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout her studies, she maintained a strong focus on animal health, food safety, and sustainable livestock systems. Passionate about agricultural innovation, she founded the Green Grub Revolution Project, which promotes black soldier fly larvae as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional poultry feed. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between scientific research and grassroots community needs. Currently, through her Fellowship at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI-Nairobi), Immaculate is strengthening her research and leadership in one health and climate-smart livestock production. She envisions a career at the intersection of veterinary medicine and agricultural innovation, where she can scale sustainable feed alternatives and contribute to resilient food systems across Africa.
MAZAPKWE Vicky proudly earned her Bachelor of Business Administration, showcasing the remarkable outcomes of determination and resilience in overcoming adversity. Having lost both parents at a young age, pursuing higher education seemed an unattainable dream. However, with her auntie’s unwavering support, she successfully completed her primary and secondary education. Her dedication and academic excellence earned her a place in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, paving the way for her academic journey at Makerere University. Now equipped with her degree, Vicky has set her sights on becoming a successful businesswoman while nurturing her passion for storytelling as a film writer and director. She is grateful for the opportunities provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which not only empowered her but also inspired her to launch a project that supports orphans in her community.
NAMATOVU Noeline graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. A daughter of a single mother, her graduation is both a joy and big relief to her mother.
After the loss of her father, she received invaluable support from a priest, a friend of her late dad.
“The priest took me to school and covered my fees until I completed Senior Six. Although he couldn’t help with university expenses, it motivated me to seek a scholarship, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University enabled me to pursue my university education.” Namatovu shares. Initially aspiring to be a doctor, she found the sciences challenging and shifted her focus to accounting, where she plans to major and pursue professional qualifications. Her achievements have inspired young people in her community.
NAMIYINGO Christine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Education, majoring in Economics. Her academic journey has been challenging, particularly given her experience with bipolar disorder; however, she is grateful for the support she has received from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at Makerere University. She is keen to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to strengthen her expertise in Business Management and realise her aspiration of becoming an entrepreneur. Beyond her academic pursuits, Christine is deeply committed to her faith, which she considers a significant factor in her success. She is also dedicated to assisting those in need, guided by a belief that acts of generosity are rewarded. Inspired by accomplished individuals, she actively seeks mentorship to foster her personal development.
NAMONGIN Alice is a dedicated development practitioner, climate justice advocate, and youth leader from Uganda’s Karamoja region. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Statistics, with a focus on research and social entrepreneurship. She founded the Nurture HER Initiative, a youth-led venture that promotes climate resilience and girls’ education in Indigenous communities. She has trained over 70 Indigenous youth volunteers, supported climate education in schools, and promoted sustainable solutions. With interests in climate policy, entrepreneurship, and community solutions, Alice aspires to influence policies that prioritise Indigenous knowledge and youth participation. She enjoys mentoring young girls, public speaking, and using storytelling to drive social change.
NVIRI Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Education. Throughout his academic career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to education, leadership, and community development. His enthusiasm for teaching and empowering his peers has motivated him to pursue a career dedicated to improving Uganda’s education system, focusing on integrating modern teaching methodologies and digital tools to enrich the learning experience. Robert aspires to become a transformative educator who inspires students to engage in critical and creative thinking. He is particularly passionate about improving access to education for under-served communities and firmly believes in education’s capacity to foster social change. In addition to his academic endeavours, Robert has actively tutored children facing social and economic barriers and organised mentorship programmes for young people, thereby reinforcing his dedication to community service.
How did the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program journey start at Makerere University? The Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, shares the highlights.
Phase One of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2013-2023)
In 2013, Makerere University entered into a transformative partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to nurture the next generation of leaders in Africa. This initiative is designed to empower young people to drive positive change in their lives, their communities, and across the continent. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program places strong emphasis on enabling young people to shape new narratives and pursue meaningful aspirations.
Through this collaboration, Makerere University has successfully implemented two phases of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The first phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was implemented from 2013 to 2023. Under this phase, 1,032 Mastercard Foundation Scholars were recruited and educated at Makerere University, of which 974 graduated and are contributing in various capacities within their communities.
Phase Two of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2023-2034)
In December 2023, the partnership was renewed, and the second phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is currently being implemented at Makerere University and will run through 2034. Building on the first phase, the University is committed to fostering inclusion and ensuring equitable access in this phase. To support this goal, specific scholarship quotas have been established for the following groups:
- Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (25% of the Scholarships)
- Young People living in Refugee-Hosting Communities (5% of the Scholarships)
- Young People from Underrepresented Ethnic Groups in Uganda (5% of the Scholarships)Young People Living with Disabilities (25% of the Scholarships)
- International Students (10% of the Scholarships)
- Other Ugandan Nationals facing financial barriers to pursuing University Education (30% of the Scholarships)
What has been the individual impact of Phase One graduates of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
To date, 974 Mastercard Foundation Scholars have graduated, proudly joining the Makerere University Alumni community.
Notably, 48% of these Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni have secured formal employment, demonstrating successful integration into the workforce. Furthermore, 18% have launched their own businesses, not only creating jobs for themselves but also generating opportunities for other young people and driving local economic transformation. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF) supported 46 ventures by the end of 2025, proving that start-ups are indeed a crucial solution to combating youth unemployment.
In addition, 8% of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni are gaining essential work experience through internships facilitated by Transition Partners. Meanwhile, 5% are pursuing further study in Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, and PhD programmes, reflecting their commitment to personal and professional growth.
In total, 72% of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni are actively engaged in productive employment or entrepreneurship. This data clearly shows that investing in young people generates tangible economic and social returns.
The remaining 12% are part of other young people in Uganda with university degrees who are facing challenges entering the world of work. These young people need support and systems to translate their career navigation journeys into meaningful engagements.
What has been the impact on the Communities?
Communities have greatly benefited from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Give Back initiatives, including the establishment of safe water sources, the construction of classrooms, and the planting of trees for environmental protection. These efforts reflect a commitment to empowering young people, positively impacting communities, and showcasing the potential of African universities for a sustainable future. Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni implement one impact project each year on the Annual Day of Service, which allows them to showcase skills in organisation, mobilisation, and teamwork. Since 2014, Mastercard Foundation Scholars have implemented various community projects, as highlighted below.
- In 2023, Achukudu Primary School in Napak District made significant strides by constructing a two-room classroom block, complete with desks and benches, enhancing the learning environment for its students.
- In 2022, St. Katherine Primary School in Agago District contributed to its community by building a two-room classroom block alongside a new pit latrine, improving facilities for both students and staff.
- In 2021, the Bulamwaki community in Iganga District saw valuable initiatives: a borehole was completed, and 56 jerrycans were donated to local women, promoting access to clean water.
- In 2020, Mastercard Foundation Scholars made a positive impact in the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube by providing essential COVID-19 protective materials, distributing sanitary pads, promoting tree planting, and offering career guidance to the community.
- In 2019, efforts at Salama School for the Blind in Mukono included planting trees and erecting a protective fence around the school, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for students. At Kibaale Primary School in Mityana, activities included general cleaning, tree planting, and the completion of a two-room teacher’s residence.
- In 2018, Mastercard Foundation Scholars donated learning materials, nappies, and food items, supported feeding activities and carried out general cleaning at Kampala School for children living with disabilities.in Kampala.
- In 2017, Mastercard Foundation Scholars constructed and renovated classroom blocks, dug a rubbish pit, and cleared a community well at Muzinda Primary School, and raised awareness on hygiene at Mbuya Gizaza Community in Nakawa. Additionally, they built a wooden classroom, renovated a latrine, cleaned the area, and planted trees at St. Charles Lwanga Primary School in Mukono.
- In 2015, Mastercard Foundation Scholars planted trees, undertook general cleaning, painted the buildings, and carried out electrical installations and repairs at Kireka School of Children with Special Needs in Kampala.
- In 2014, the first cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars dug a rubbish pit and a borehole trench, washed children’s clothes, supported feeding activities, carried out general cleaning and compound slashing, and donated foodstuffs, nappies and laundry detergents to Mercy Child Care Centre in Wakiso.
Giving back to the community has been, and continues to be, a core aspect of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which fosters a culture of giving through individual and group initiatives. As Nelson Mandela rightly puts it:
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”. He also championed community service, noting that “we can all do more to reach out, take care, and serve the well-being of others”.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
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