Governance refers to the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented and practiced through which issues of common concern are decided upon and regulated. Good governance adds a normative or evaluative attribute to the process of governing as it is the process of measuring how public institution conduct public affairs and manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption and with due regard for the rule of law. This centers the responsibility of governments and governing bodies to meet the needs of the masses as opposed to select groups in society as well as catering for the respect of human rights, the rule of law, effective participation, multi-actor partnerships, political pluralism, transparent and accountable processes and institutions, an efficient and effective public sector, legitimacy, access to knowledge, information and education, political empowerment of people, equity, sustainability, and attitudes and values that foster responsibility, solidarity and tolerance.

From a human rights perspective it refers primarily to the process whereby public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights relating to the political and institutional processes and outcomes that are necessary to achieve the goals of development. The true test of 'good' governance is the degree to which it delivers on the promise of human rights: civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. The key question is: are the institutions of governance effectively guaranteeing the right to health, adequate housing, sufficient food, quality education, fair justice and personal security?

Why we Care!

Uganda’s National Development Plan stipulates democracy, good governance and accountability as development priorities. Getting genuine democracy, good governance and accountability remains hindered by the low level of citizen participation, inadequate support and education priority areas for the citizens, limited levels of awareness and appreciation of the democratic principles by the leaders especially at the local level. Enforcing and demanding of accountability by the community members from their leaders is almost impossible and even many elect leaders in Uganda have limited knowledge and awareness of their roles and responsibilities on the part of elected representatives which limits their ability to deliver effectively on their mandate. People are less informed or less empowered, unable to monitor the actions of their leaders due to limited opportunities for education and exposure in leadership tenets of good governance and democratic accountability. There are limited platforms for interaction between elected leaders and citizens.

Uganda faces crucial challenges in delivering inclusive quality health services delivery due to problems of good governance issues like, transparency, accountability and zero- tolerance to corruption. There is a system of patronage and nepotism from government organizations, no mobilization of the society to support the system of rule of law and non-improved bureaucratic and procedures of work to effect good services deliveries. Effective local governance can be a key pathway to solving the various challenges in development at the global level. The biggest example is, of course, towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda or what we know as the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as addressing crucial issues such as climate change. Therefore, being the closest to its communities, local and regional governments have the advantage of putting people at the center of every decision-making process.
Local and regional governments must demonstrate on a daily basis the potential that action based on proximity has to contribute to solving major global challenges. GRONET believes that the development and improvement of people’s living conditions should be undertaken primarily at the local level. We strive to achieve decentralization as a way to democratize public governance at all levels.