The Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, has called upon local leaders to direct their efforts towards solving people’s problems.

The minister was speaking to The New Times responding to reports that some local leaders were not taking their jobs seriously.

"All their thinking and activities should be directed at facilitating and supporting residents, they should be there to provide guidance and ready to take responsibility in solving residents’ problem,” said Musoni.

"In case they do not understand something, they should have the courage to consult with their superiors; there is governance hierarchy that is well and should be utilised”.

Musoni said that his ministry is working on building the capacity of local leaders to equip them with skills to handle various problems facing their residents.

Despite some local leaders in the 415 sectors across the country being ignorant of the law and fearing to take responsibility, the minister noted that some residents do not to trust their leaders will solve their problems and end up petitioning courts or local NGOs that deal with advocacy.

Reports from Haguruka a local orphans and widows advocacy NGO, point out that local leaders drag their feet in solving residents’ problems.

They suggest most cases reported to sectors are mostly civil and can easily be solved by the local leaders but they are regularly referred to Haguruka and other local NGOs.

"Something is wrong, either some local leaders are corrupt, or incompetent, or are simply not committed to their responsibilities,” said Zaina Nyiramatama, the head of Haguruka.

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