Kampala, Uganda, 19-21 November 2024: The 8th East African Local Government Forum (EALGF), convened by the Ministry of Local Government in Uganda and the East African County and Local Governments Association, brought together key stakeholders from the East African Community (EAC) to discuss the crucial role of subnational governments in regional integration.
Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, officially opened the forum and emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among member states. She called for policies that facilitate cross-border trade and investment, recognizing the pivotal role of subnational governments in driving regional integration.
Hon. Raphael Magyezi, Minister for Local Government-Uganda and incoming chairperson of EALGF, highlighted the forum’s importance as a platform for local governments in East Africa. He expressed excitement about Uganda’s chairmanship and its potential to showcase the region’s commitment to sustainable development.
Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, UNDP Uganda’s Resident Representative, stressed the importance of localizing the SDGs, innovative funding, inclusive planning, and prioritizing infrastructure for climate resilience. She also highlighted the Global Mayors Challenge 2025 as an excellent opportunity to improve service delivery in local governments. Recognizing the interconnectedness of the EAC, she called for inclusive, accountable, and democratic local governments, emphasizing that “local governments are the backbones of our communities”.
Participants, including ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, governors, development partners, and local government practitioners, underscored the value of local governments in contributing to the EAC integration agenda and the development of their communities.
The forum called for:
- The inclusion of local governments in the EAC structure
- The establishment of a Sectoral Committee on Local Government in the East African Legislative Assembly
- The creation of a dedicated position for Local Government Affairs in the EAC Secretariat
Delegates agreed on a strategic planning and implementation roadmap, including the composition of a steering committee to oversee the implementation of the Local Government-EAC Agenda.
Preceding the Forum, Dr. Wilson Sanya, President of the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), was elected as the new President of the East African County and Local Governments Association.
The Forum recommendations can be accessed here.