Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies (JGAS) ISSN 2774-6739, Vol 2, No 2, 2022, 107-117 https://doi.org/10.35912/jgas.v2i2.1384 Firming non-political actors to enhance the quality of urban service delivery. A review on the City Development Forums in Uganda David Mwesigwa 1 , Alfred Acanga 2 , Alex Chono Oryang 3 , Alex Oboi 4 Discipline of Public Administration and Management, Lira University, Uganda 1-4 mwesigwadavid22@gmail.com Article History Received on 7 January 2023 1 st Revision on 11 January 2023 2 nd Revision on 12 January 2023 3 rd Revision on 18 January 2023 4 th Revision on 11 February 2023 5 th Revision on 27 February 2023 Accepted on 1 March 2023 Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to explore the dependability of non- political forums specifically considering the City Development Forums in Uganda. This investigation was motivated by the idea of City Development Forums being a known spectrum for Non- Political Forums to play a role in affairs otherwise affecting a City or Municipality. Research methodology: A Desk review method was adopted in which data was collected from obtainable resources specifically Publications, the Internet, Official Reports, etc., followed by cross- referencing and collation of data. Results: The outcomes reveal that a set of six principles inform City Development Forums, viz. shared accountability of every stakeholder in ensuring sustainable development; integrated planning framework for sustainable urban development; effective coordination among every urban stakeholder; local teamwork and networking; bottom-up broad-based stakeholder participatory consultations; and mobilization of resources for sustainable urban development. Limitations: This study adopted a review of secondary data yet if primary data were to be used, maybe, the results would have been different. Therefore, a different study can be conducted using primary data to determine whether these results hold sway and, if any, the justifications for the noticeable variances. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of local community development initiatives using the empowerment approach. Keywords: non-political actors, urban service delivery, City Development Forum, urban authorities How to cite: Mwesigwa, D., Acanga, A., Oryang, A. C., & Oboi, A. (2022). Firming non-political actors to enhance the quality of urban service delivery. A review on the City Development Forums in Uganda. Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies, 2(2), 107-117. 1. Introduction The political environment in which urban authorities in Uganda and similar countries in the region and beyond operate is controlled within a clearly demarcated legal framework, which is intended to improve the relevancy of community programs and projects, consequently enhancing the quality of services delivered to communities. One way to attain that relevancy is through community-based forums. This study contends that using peoples’ fora can be an effective channel through which Cities and/or Municipalities, in Uganda, are able to enhance their effectiveness in service delivery. The study evaluates the dependability of Non-Political Forums (NPFs) amongst the members as well as the overall community they both represent and operate in. The discussion is centered on the City Development Forums (CDFs), previously known as Municipal Development Forums (MDFs), which have gained prominence in the recent past among Municipalities and later Cities. The focus, here, is