Effectiveness of Decentralization in Enhancing Community Participation

The major objective of the writer was to establish how effective Decentralization of Governance can enhance Community Participation in decision making at local level. The writer used a cased study of Wakiso District in Uganda and the implementation of LGDP (Local Government Development Project) to assess the role of the community during project appraisal, implementation and ownership. The writer examined; the extent to which the Local community was involved in local government's projects, assessed the effectiveness of decentralization policy in enhancing local community involvement, examined the challenges faced by the Local government in involvement of the local community in development projects, and lastly examined the extent to which the Decentralization framework facilitates Community Participation and service delivery. For proactive community participation to take root under decentralization study findings indicated that there is need to; emphasize participatory planning and budgeting, provide citizens with civic education and awareness, sensitize leaders about the relevancy of community participation, implement and support advocacy alliances and collaboration policies.