There is minimal interference in local affairs from the central government.
No central appointees or national members of parliament sit in local
government bodies, the role and powers of the resident district commissioners
have been greatly diminished, and the MoLG has no powers to
approve budgets.However, the sectoral allocation of funds through the earmarked
conditional grant system has ensured detailed control of local government
adherence to national priorities and targets, especially because the
implementation of fiscal decentralization strategy has been slow.
Local governments have legal status and are formally accountable. They
are autonomous corporate bodies, which can thus sue and be sued, manage
funds, enter into contracts, employ staff, and be held legally accountable.