ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book argues that decentralisation has become a focal point for reforming developing states, especially those emerging from conflict. It suggests that ethnicity is an important sociological and constitutional question in the devolution of power in multi-ethnic countries such as Uganda and that the exclusion of ethnicity in the devolution process typically has dire consequences. The book highlights the importance of sharing powers and functions between orders of government. It also suggests that the powers and functions that devolve to Uganda’s district councils are not only vague, but contradict the emerging soft law and existing literature on decentralisation. The book examines the nature of intergovernmental relations in Uganda’s decentralisation shows that district councils are institutionally over-regulated. It also highlights opportunities as well as serious shortcomings in the legal framework for decentralisation, with an emphasis on practical suggestions for reform.
