He made the remarks at the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) Strategic Planning Meeting, held in Kigali from July 22 to 24, 2025.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, governors, local government associations, and development partners from across the East African Community (EAC), under the theme: 'Strengthening the Role of County and Local Governments in Regional Integration and Cross-Border Cooperation.'
Highlighting Rwanda's commitment to regional integration, Mugenzi noted initiatives like cross-border markets and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance citizens' quality of life.
'Regional integration and cooperation are essential for sustainable development, economic growth, and regional stability,' he stated, underscoring the need for empowered local governments to drive these efforts.
He stressed that 'Local governments play a crucial role in governance, poverty reduction, and regional collaboration,' urging coordinated partnerships to tackle challenges like youth unemployment, civic engagement, and climate change.
The Minister pointed to the Mpazi Rehousing Model in Kigali as a successful example of local governments addressing housing and socioeconomic issues through community collaboration.
He called for the EALGF to serve as a platform for dialogue and innovation, saying, 'This forum should be the right platform to challenge us on how we could foster collaboration and innovation among regional Local Government leaders and associations, address shared challenges, and enhance sustainable development for our citizens.'
Mugenzi encouraged participants to focus on key priorities, including strategies to address regional challenges, empower local government associations, and set standards for effective service delivery.
Ben Kumumanya, Chairperson of the East African Local Government Forum (EALGF) and Uganda's Permanent Secretary for Local Government, called for robust strategies to position local governments as key drivers of regional development.
'Our ultimate goal is to position counties and local governments as key drivers of regional development, increased visibility, and active contributors to the East African Community's integration objectives,' he emphasized.
Kumumanya also urged delegates to focus on creating actionable strategies aligned with EAC priorities, including economic development, infrastructure, health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Established in 2011, the EALGF facilitates engagement between local governments, promoting decentralization, local democracy, and cross-border trade to drive economic integration at the grassroots level.
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