Representative outcomes through citizen consultative meetings: A study of Kampala, Uganda

Policy brief 13 Oct 2020 State

Authors

Deliberative processes are widely used across developed and developing countries. Despite this, there is limited evidence of their equitability and inclusiveness.
The authors partnered with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to examine the extent to which participatory approaches can really reflect the views of citizens.
188 small-scale consultative meetings were organised with citizens to discuss their preferences service delivery and accountability as part of the development of a ‘Citizens’ Charter’. As part of this, the authors randomised whether facilitators come from KCCA or from an outside organisation.
Firstly, the authors find there is only a small difference between the policy priorities of citizens and local bureaucrats. Secondly, while specific facilitators can influence discussions, this does not systematically bias consultations towards particular socio-economic groups. Thirdly, although there is inequality in engagement, this does not translate into specific groups of citizens getting their preferred outcome in the meetings.
The findings suggest that such meetings can be effective as a vehicle for representative consultations, although vigilance is required to ensure participation by more marginalised citizens.