Beyond theory, the handbook provides practical tools such as official registers, administrative forms, meeting templates, a 12-month village transformation calendar, and simplified explanations of key legislation, including the Succession Act and the Marriage Act, making it an accessible reference for both newly elected and serving village leaders.
Ugandan journalist, community leader and Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kassanda Distict, Mike Ssegawa, has authored a practical handbook aimed at strengthening grassroots governance by equipping Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead their communities.
Titled The LC1 Chairman’s Handbook: How to Transform Your Village into an Engine of Peace, Justice, and Development, the publication is designed as a simple, hands-on guide to help village leaders navigate the day-to-day challenges of administration, security, justice and community development.
Drawing from his experience in journalism, grassroots mobilization and public administration, Ssegawa says the handbook addresses the practical realities faced by LC1 chairpersons and offers workable solutions to improve leadership and service delivery at the village level. He has pledged to distribute the handbook free of charge to LC1 chairpersons across Uganda.
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The 12-chapter publication covers a wide range of topics central to village governance, including ethical leadership, the legal jurisdiction of LC1 courts, village security, conflict resolution, local economic development, public health, emergency preparedness, effective meeting management and the revival of Bulungi Bwansi, Uganda’s traditional community self-help initiative.
Beyond theory, the handbook provides practical tools such as official registers, administrative forms, meeting templates, a 12-month village transformation calendar, and simplified explanations of key legislation, including the Succession Act and the Marriage Act, making it an accessible reference for both newly elected and serving village leaders.
Ssegawa also emphasizes the importance of close collaboration between LC1 chairpersons and Resident District and City Commissioners (RDCs/RCCs), arguing that effective coordination between grassroots leaders and government security representatives is essential for maintaining law and order, monitoring disputes, and ensuring the successful implementation of government programmes.
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In the opening chapter, “The Mind of a Transforming Leader,” Ssegawa encourages village chairpersons to embrace servant leadership rather than viewing their offices as positions of privilege or authority.
“You are not a king; you are a caretaker,” he writes, stressing that genuine leadership is earned through service, humility and accountability rather than intimidation.
The handbook further explains the constitutional and legal foundation of the LC1 office, describing village chairpersons as the first point of contact between citizens and government under Uganda’s Constitution and the Local Government Act.
According to Ssegawa, the publication is intended to become an indispensable reference manual that will strengthen local governance, promote peaceful dispute resolution, enhance cooperation between village leaders and district authorities, and accelerate socio-economic development at the grassroots.
With Uganda continuing to rely on LC1 chairpersons as the frontline of local administration, Ssegawa believes empowering these leaders with practical knowledge and leadership skills will contribute significantly to building peaceful, accountable and prosperous communities across the country.
