– Local authorities in Uvira attended a capacity-building seminar on decentralization and local governance held by the Civil Affairs section of MONUSCO from 24 to 26 September. Besides administrative authorities such as such as Chiefs of Chiefdoms and of Groupings, the 35 seminar participants included also civil servants and representatives from civil society, political parties and the private sector.

The three-day seminar was organized within the framework of the restoration and consolidation of State authority and took place at the Multipurpose Hall of Uvira territory.

During the sessions, the participants were informed on - and made aware of - the Law governing the process of decentralization and public finance planning and management.

They were also presented information on management of public infrastructure, including communication and collaboration between authorities and population, which are key factors for the promotion of good local governance.

The seminar participants also conducted a reflection on the challenges currently facing Uvira territory. From that reflection emerged a series of recommendations for improving the implementation of the decentralization process in this territory. One of these recommendations was that Chiefs of Chiefdoms should regularly organize awareness-raising activities within their jurisdictions to inform and educate the population on decentralization and public services. Another called for increasing local populations’ participation in decision-making processes so as to promote transparency.

Also, the territorial authorities were asked to support and encourage this initiative at their level in order to develop transparency and thus bring State authorities closer to non-State entities for practical implementation of good local governance.

It should be noted that a team responsible for monitoring the implement of the above recommendations was set up.

The seminar also included the participation of the Provincial Director of Decentralization, the Territorial Administrator of Uvira and the Mwami ( Chief of the Bafuliuru Chiefdom).

Jean-Tobie Okala