The idea is that different actors work together to solve local problems. But regardless of how much is given to non-state actors, government cannot be eliminated from the picture. Ultimately, it could help to find a new balance between state and society, as now seems to be happening in Uganda. Regarding decentralisation, Uganda is one of the front-runners in Africa. It has a policy to devolve many government functions, particularly of the line ministries, to its 39 districts.
Central government is politically committed to decentralisation.
Indeed, some budgets have already been decentralised and local governments have resources to carry out most of their new responsibilities. Bossuyt recently looked at decentralised projects in Uganda. It shows that if national governments really support decentralisation, then decentralised cooperation can flourish. Alongside the Government's strategy, a long-term programme of Danish support to local government is helping to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the districts to take on their new roles. The Danish approach also builds capacity.