Mbale City, (UG):- Makerere University has emphasized the need for local government employees to equip themselves with skills in administrative law to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery while fostering a corruption-free governance system.
Local governments serve as vital channels for delivering services to Ugandans at the grassroots level. To ensure seamless service delivery, it is crucial to have well-trained, ethical, and knowledgeable personnel.
The increasing cases of arrests of parish chiefs over the mismanagement of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs have prompted academic institutions, including Makerere University, to step in by offering training in various legal disciplines aimed at fostering integrity and professionalism in public service.
Some Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) have stressed the importance of equipping all local government employees, from the lowest ranks to the highest, with essential knowledge of administrative law.
A CAO from the Bugisu region pointed out that many accounting officers—such as parish chiefs, sub-county chiefs, and District Health Officers (DHOs)—are responsible for managing public funds. To prevent financial mismanagement, they must be well-versed in laws such as the Anti-Corruption Act.
The Administrative Law Officers course at Makerere University is designed to equip learners with crucial legal skills. It covers various aspects, including criminal law, which focuses on identifying criminal offenses, understanding their causes, and the corresponding legal penalties.
The course also delves into white-collar crimes, key provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, and defenses against criminal liability.
Mr. Steven Masiga, the Coordinator of Makerere University’s Mbale Centre, which serves Bugisu, Teso, Karamoja, Bukedi, and Sebei regions, emphasized the university’s commitment to providing accessible legal education to local government employees.
“Our role as a university is to support the region by ensuring that every government employee attains qualifications in administrative law. We understand financial constraints, so we allow students to pay their tuition in manageable installments. It pains us to see local government officials being arrested for abuse of office due to a lack of legal knowledge. We must bring everyone into the university system to build a competent and law-abiding workforce,” Masiga noted.
He shared a case of a town clerk who, after being arrested for misappropriating public funds, realized the importance of legal education. Upon his release, he enrolled in the Administrative Law course and vowed to encourage his colleagues to do the same, recognizing its invaluable benefits.
The course covers various key topics, including:
- Introduction to Law – A foundational overview covering legal definitions, branches of law, sources of law, ordinance enactment, and legal principles.
- Constitutional Law – A focus on the tripartite governance system and the roles of different government arms.
- Criminal Procedure – The legal processes involved in handling accused persons, including service of summons and plea-taking.
- Contract Law – Essential principles governing contracts.
- Local Government Law – Detailed procedures involved in local government lawmaking.
- Administrative Procedure – Best practices for lawful administrative decision-making.
Mr. Masiga further highlighted that Makerere University has established several centers nationwide to support local governments through legal education.
“We believe we are the best institution to offer this support, and our centers are making a significant impact. Thousands of students have completed administrative law training, and according to our tracer study, many have been promoted due to their qualifications,” he said.
“A notable example is a district officer in Mbale who was recently promoted after obtaining her certificate in administrative law from Makerere University’s Mbale Centre,” Masiga added.
Other professionals, including district education officers, headteachers, parish chiefs, and returning officers, have benefited from this training. Makerere University’s Mbale Centre has trained the highest number of returning officers in administrative law, including district registrars from Moroto, Kumi, Napak, Soroti, Busia, and Pallisa.
It is expected that these officers will apply their legal knowledge in the management of the 2026 General Elections, ensuring that their decisions align with legal frameworks.
Makerere University remains committed to expanding its reach and making university education accessible to communities. The university’s mission of “taking the university to the people and bringing the people to the university” is being realized through its strategically located centers, including:
- Mbale Centre – Serving Bugisu, Teso, Sebei, Karamoja, and Bukedi regions, as well as Bungoma, Kenya (Main office in Mbale; Tel: 0782231577 / 0706655811)
- Iganga Centre – Serving Busoga region
- Kamuli Centre – Also serving Busoga region
- Lira Centre – Serving Lango and Acholi regions with fully established university quarters and offices
- Busia Centre – Serving Namayingo, Bugiri, Busia, and parts of Kenya
- Wakiso Centre – Serving Wakiso and Mukono districts
Recently, Kumi Deputy Returning Officer, Madam Rebecca Nandutu, and Busia Hospital Administrator, Madam Angela Iperu, received their Administrative Law Officers certificates from Mr. Steven Masiga at Makerere University’s Mbale Centre, marking yet another milestone in professional development for local government employees.
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