Decentralization by devolution: Uganda and Tanzania in comparative perspective

Present review on devolution of political, administrative, financial powers as well as authority to local government authorities in Uganda and Tanzania, respectively, reveals that during the last decade (1998-2008), both countries committed themselves to a course of action of devolving power and responsibilities to lower level government organs. They have that commitment reflected in their constitutions, policy frameworks and legal instruments in support of that intent. However, despite similarities in eschewed policies, legal and institutional frameworks, several studies and popular publications including media sources imply that the two countries success levels in effectively devolving power and responsibilities to local governments during that decade differ considerably, with Uganda doing much better than Tanzania. What is the explanation for that situation? In unravelling such question and several others, the study firstly aimed to explore how have Uganda and Tanzania been able to successfully decentralize powers and functions to lower levels of governments; and secondly to identify factors that explain their success levels. The study employed a comparative exploratory study approach whereby two case countries were purposively selected. It was conducted as a library research whereby materials for the study comprised mainly of legislations, government reports, policy documents, constitutions, published and unpublished government reports. All collected materials were examined carefully to obtain only those related to the study. The evidence from the study showed that local government system in Uganda is built on the citizens’ movement where local citizens recognize themselves as key stakeholders for carrying forward the decentralization process. Whereas, in Tanzania decentralization literature shows that D by D was not demanded by citizens instead it was imposed from the centre to lower levels of governance. It can be concluded that D by D in Uganda and Tanzania is a process that is determined to enable local governments to have discretionary powers in their areas of jurisdictions. It has increased participation in decision-making, allowed communities at local level to choose their own leadership through popular elections, institutionalized the structures for citizens’ participation in development planning from bottom to top, and for including various marginalized groups. However, despite achievements, the two countries still experience some limitations on financial, human resources management, central-local relations and political decentralization. The study noted that, D by D should be seen as a “means” rather than ends. For that reason, if D by D is to be successfully implemented it has to be considered as giving power and authority to people and not the local governments.