ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a historical background to local government in Uganda and in turn documents the historical political-social-scientific variables that account for an intrusive centralism in Uganda’s decentralisation. It examines how colonial rule disrupted existing local government structures. The Ex parte Matovu case had two important implications for the history of decentralisation and power-sharing in Uganda. A statement by the Minister of Local Government at the time summarises the history of the reforms introduced after 1986. According to him, the principal object of decentralisation reform was to enhance local democracy through citizens’ participation in sustainable development. The chapter points out that the Buganda Kingdom illustrates the multi-ethnic uniqueness of many communities, the recognition of which in a decentralisation system has real political and developmental dividends. The decision to decentralise power to local government was made in 1986. However, decentralisation reform gained currency only in 1993 through the Presidential Policy Statement.
