ICTs in Local Governance: A Case Study of the Local Government Information Communication System (LoGICS) in Uganda
Abstract
In Uganda, the widespread use of modern ICTs is relatively new, while the urge to use ICTs in the development processes is also rising. However, not much is known about their contribution to different development processes or the various needs especially in the domain of local governance. Given the current developments in the ICT sector as well as in the governance processes, it is important to investigate and document the state of ICTs, needs and priorities in as far as local governance is concerned. It is also pertinent to investigate the actual contribution of ICTs to deepening and strengthening good governance. Most recently, ICTs have been piloted in the promotion of good governance under the decentralized local government structure. In Uganda, out of 80 higher local governments (districts), 55 (69%) are currently piloting the Local Government Information Communication System (LoGICS), under which data is collected, analyzed and used to strengthen planning, promote wider participation in decision making, accountability and transparency.
LoGICS provides a platform to interrogate the concept of e-local governance in as far as it promotes wider citizen participation, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness and equity. This investigation into the conceptualization and implementation of LoGICS provides an opportunity to generate information necessary for sketching a road map to strengthen policy making and scale up implementation of e-local governance projects in Uganda and Africa as a whole. The purpose of the Uganda project is to assess the effects of LoGICs on the good governance constructs of participation, transparency, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness, and equity
- How has the application of LoGICS promoted citizen participation in local governance?
- How has the application of LoGICS improved transparency in local governance?
- How has the implementation of LoGICS facilitated LG responsiveness to the beneficiaries and stakeholders?
- How has the application of LoGICS affected efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery at the HLG and LLG?
- What has been the impact of LoGICS on equitable distribution of available resources to those who need them most?
- What are the outcomes (lessons and issues of policy) of implementing LoGICs so far?
Mr. Narathius Asingwire
E-mail: nasingwire@ss.mak.ac.ug
Research Team
Ms. Somali Jennifer Angeyo
E-mail: jangeyo@excite.com, jangeyo@cit.mak.ac.ug
Christopher Muhoozi
E-mail: cmuhoozi@arts.mak.ac.ug
SWSA Department
Faculty of Social Sciences
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda