The third District Development Programme (DDP III) was successfully launched on the 18th of June 2009 in Kampala. The programme which was officially launched by the Minister of Local government, Hon. Adolf Mwesige, will pick up from where its predecessors, DDP II & I left off.

DDP has provided a cutting-edge experience in testing, piloting and replicating planning, allocation, implementation and management systems in this country since its introduction in 1997, hence giving effect to decentralization.

DDP III’s main focus will however be on Local Economic Development (LED) which is aimed at improving household incomes as a means of creating a stronger and taxable revenue and economic base.

While launching the programme, the Minister described the theme for the launch which was Deepening Local Governance through Local Economic Development, as very appropriate, imploring, challenging, provocative and at the same time re-assuring.

“DDP III is a new ray of hope and provides the population with an opportunity by expanding the availability of social and economic opportunities hence incomes, welfare and livelihoods of the people,” the Minister said.

He implored all the Local Governments, who are the direct implementers of the DDP-III, to steadfastly maintain the focus on the principles and tenets of Local Economic Development if they are to sustain the momentum of the anticipated economic growth. He encouraged them to also plan well for the funds under this programme so that they would not just be used for convenience but also to attract local and international investments to local governments.

Local Economic Development will provide a simultaneous focus on economic governance and creating a business enabling environment through establishing a three pronged partnership between the Local Government, the private sector and the community. This partnership will enable proper management and utilisation of local resources.

Speaking on behalf of UNDP, the acting Country Director, Sebastian Levine, said that the programme was being launched at an opportune time when the world was battling to reduce the global financial crises, this programme should therefore be seen as an opportunity to strengthen the capacities for creating vital opportunities for economic expansion.

The Decentralisation Development Partners in their speech made by the chairperson Jenifer Bukokhe noted that improvements in local service delivery suggest that additional capacities are needed by local governments to accelerate the rate of poverty reduction. Local governments are increasingly performing a pivotal Local Economic Development promotional role yet in most Local Governments the ability to deliver an enabling environment to promote Local Economic Development is under developed and has to be strengthened at both the national and local levels and between the national and local levels

The programme will build on existing systems and structures in Local Governments and introduce core capacities to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and the civil society to effectively manage the available resources and stimulate economic growth hence broaden the tax base.

DDP III’s also aims to contribute to poverty alleviation and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Uganda. It will mainly be funded by Government of Uganda through the Local Government Sector Investment Plan basket (LGSIP) with support from UNCDF and UNDP. It will be implemented in 15 districts:   

Northern Region:             Abim, Amuru, Arua, Kitgum, Lira, Moyo;

Western Region:              Bushenyi, Isingiro, Kabale and Kasese;

Central Region:                 Kayunga, Masaka and Wakiso;

Eastern Region:                Busia, Butaleja, and Soroti.

 

DDP III is also consistent with the economic policy of Uganda and the aspirations of the National Development Plan, under development, which is shifting from exclusive provision of public goods to stimulating growth, employment and prosperity.