By Staff Reporter
FORT PORTAL CITY —Fort Portal City Deputy Resident City Commissioner (DRCC) for Fort Central, Businge Emmanuel, has called for stronger community participation in the fight against corruption and improved transparency in the management of local governments.
Businge made the remarks on Sunday, August 16, 2026, while appearing on Life FM alongside other panellists, including Fort Portal traders’ leader Mr Atooko and Mr Fred of PFF.
The discussion focused on governance and accountability in local governments, with particular attention paid to recent directives concerning alcohol consumption and bar operations, betting companies, and transparency in the operations of local government councils.
Businge said community members have an important role to play in promoting accountable leadership and ensuring that government programmes and regulations are implemented in the public interest.
#Focus on corruption
The fight against corruption in local governments was among the key issues discussed during the radio programme.
Corruption remains a major governance concern because it can undermine the delivery of public services and weaken public confidence in government institutions.
Businge used the platform to encourage residents to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within local government structures.
He also emphasised the importance of responsible leadership and adherence to established government procedures in the management of public affairs.
For local governments, transparency is particularly important because councils and administrative structures are responsible for delivering services that directly affect residents.
These include areas such as sanitation, roads, community development and other essential public services.
## Alcohol consumption and bar operations
The panel also discussed recent local government directives concerning alcohol consumption and the operation of bars.
The issue has generated public interest because local authorities have a responsibility to regulate businesses and activities within their jurisdictions while balancing enforcement with the interests of business owners and the wider community.
During the discussion, participants examined the need for compliance with government regulations governing the operation of drinking establishments.
The enforcement of such directives is expected to involve cooperation between local authorities, business owners, community leaders and residents.
Traders and bar operators, in particular, need to understand the applicable regulations and comply with lawful requirements governing their businesses.
#Betting companies discussed
The operation of betting companies was another issue raised during the radio discussion.
Betting businesses have expanded in many urban centres, including towns and cities across Uganda, creating employment and business opportunities while also generating concerns among some communities.
The panel considered the importance of ensuring that betting companies operate within the laws and regulations governing their activities.
Authorities and other stakeholders have increasingly raised concerns about responsible participation in betting, particularly where gambling activities may affect young people and household finances.
Businge’s participation in the discussion provided an opportunity for local government officials and community representatives to engage with residents on the need for responsible regulation and compliance.
#Transparency in local councils
The DRCC also addressed transparency and governance in the operations of local government councils.
Local councils play an important role in representing communities and participating in decisions concerning public services and development.
Businge called for greater transparency in the way local government structures conduct their affairs.
Accountability, he said, should remain central to the relationship between local leaders and the communities they serve.
Transparent decision-making can also enable residents to better understand how public resources are allocated and how development priorities are determined.
#Community participation
Businge also used the radio programme to call on residents to take an active role in community affairs.
He urged members of the public to participate in initiatives designed to improve their communities rather than leaving such responsibilities entirely to government authorities.
One of the initiatives he highlighted was the National Cleaning Exercise, which he said residents should actively participate in.
The campaign has been emphasised by Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda as part of efforts to improve cleanliness and sanitation in communities.
Businge encouraged residents of Fort Portal City to embrace the exercise and contribute to keeping their neighbourhoods clean.
#Importance of sanitation
Cleanliness is closely linked to public health and the quality of urban life.
Poor waste disposal can contribute to blocked drainage systems, environmental pollution and the spread of some diseases.
For a growing urban centre such as Fort Portal City, maintaining clean public spaces requires cooperation between authorities, businesses and residents.
Community participation in cleaning exercises can complement the work of city authorities and promote greater public responsibility for the environment.
Businge’s appeal therefore linked good governance with active citizenship, urging residents to contribute to initiatives that improve the quality of life in the city.
#Traders and local government
The participation of Fort Portal traders’ leader Mr Atooko in the discussion provided an opportunity for business representatives to engage on issues affecting the city’s commercial community.
Traders are important stakeholders in local government because businesses contribute to the local economy while also interacting with regulations covering licensing, sanitation, trading activities and other areas.
Constructive dialogue between traders and authorities can help improve understanding of government directives and address concerns arising from their implementation.
Such engagement can also provide authorities with feedback from businesses and residents who are directly affected by local policies.
#Strengthening accountability
The issues discussed on Life FM point to the importance of sustained dialogue between local government officials and the communities they serve.
Radio programmes provide a platform through which residents can hear directly from public officials, raise concerns and seek clarification on government policies.
For local leaders, such platforms can also be used to explain regulations and encourage residents to participate in government programmes.
The fight against corruption requires more than enforcement by government agencies. It also depends on citizens being willing to demand accountability and report suspected wrongdoing through appropriate channels.
#Call for collective responsibility
Businge’s message placed emphasis on collective responsibility in addressing the challenges facing Fort Portal City.
Local authorities have responsibilities relating to governance, enforcement and service delivery, while residents and businesses also have obligations to comply with lawful regulations and contribute to community development.
The discussion therefore brought together issues of governance, business regulation, public accountability and sanitation.
Together, these issues affect the daily lives of residents and the functioning of the city.
# Conclusion
The Life FM discussion provided a platform for Fort Portal City leaders and other stakeholders to examine issues surrounding corruption, local government accountability and compliance with government directives.
Businge Emmanuel urged residents to remain engaged in governance matters, support transparency in local councils and comply with lawful regulations governing businesses and community activities.
He also called on residents to participate in the National Cleaning Exercise, stressing the importance of community involvement in improving sanitation and the general environment.
Source.🇺🇬 Be blessed
