Members of the local community must take ownership of development programmes in their areas.

This was said by Stella Ford Mugabo, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, while witnessing the signing of performance contracts (Imihigo) by local leaders in Kayonza District, on Tuesday.

"Excelling in performance contracts evaluation depends on how much local leaders cooperate…some leaders were found to be unknown by residents, while others were well-known. So, you must take note of this as you struggle to fulfill the various socio-economic development programmes,” she said.

Mugabo said the leaders’ responsibilities not only end with building infrastructure but also developing their people.

"You are judged not by only how much you succeeded in infrastructure development or otherwise, but also on how relevant it was to the population. The proper management of the community will propel you to greater heights”, Mugabo told the leaders.

The minister warned local leaders against starting unrealistic projects.

"Avoid unsustainable contracts. For example, don’t build schools that only collapse in a few years because of shoddy construction”.

"I hope the local leaders adhere to the advice from the minister…it’s a sad reality that we are not fully involved in programmes made ostensibly to help us. Since we are the beneficiaries, I don’t see why we are not consulted…yet the government wants us to be involved,” said Johan Murengezi, a Kayona District resdent.

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