Uganda, Ghana unveil local-government reforms targeting corruption and urban housing

Uganda's Permanent Secretary of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, issued a circular (ADM/92/01, dated 10 July 2026) to all local government chairpersons and city mayors. The directive stresses that Local Government Service Commissions must uphold ethics, integrity, meritocracy, transparency, accountability, fairness and impartiality, and warns against corruption, nepotism, bribery and sexual favours. Kumumanya noted recurring allegations of bribery and the return of appropriated wage funds, urging disciplinary action against violators.

Ghana's Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odolley Sowah, reaffirmed the country's commitment to the New Urban Agenda at the United Nations High‑Level Political Forum in New York. She outlined four priority actions: scaling affordable and inclusive housing through the 2024 Housing Profile and a national slum‑upgrading strategy; strengthening integrated urban development via the National Urban Policy (2026‑2035); expanding urban infrastructure and local economic development through programmes such as the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme and the GARID project; and advancing climate‑resilient, sustainable cities. Sowah highlighted a housing deficit of more than 1.8 million units and called for enhanced urban governance, data systems and institutional capacity.