26 December 2025, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan delivered an address to the Oliy Majlis, outlining the country’s strategic development priorities for the coming years. Among the key directions, special attention was given to reforms in public administration aimed at decentralizing power, enhancing the role of local councils of people’s deputies – the Kengashes, increasing the accountability of khokims, and expanding the parliament’s oversight functions. The address demonstrated the state’s commitment to creating a modern governance system where interaction between the authorities and society is transparent, effective, and based on principles of responsibility.
1. Decentralization of Power: A Strategic Step Toward Efficiency
The President emphasized that decentralization of power is a necessary tool to increase governance efficiency. In the context of globalization and rapid technological progress, a centralized system—where most decisions are made at the national level—has become suboptimal. Decisions must be made quickly, taking into account the specific conditions of each region.
Decentralization in Uzbekistan involves transferring certain powers to khokims at the regional, city, and district levels while maintaining strategic oversight from the central government. This approach allows khokims to promptly address local issues, such as building social infrastructure, implementing environmental initiatives, and developing digital government services. At the same time, Kengashes and parliament ensure oversight, preventing abuses and guaranteeing compliance with the law.
The main idea of the reform lies in balance: khokims gain operational management tools, while local councils and parliament retain oversight and control, creating a transparent and efficient system of governance where each level is accountable for its functions.
2. Strengthening the Role of People’s Councils (Kengashes)
Kengashes are becoming a key link in the new governance structure. The 2026 reform clearly delineates the powers of council chairpersons and khokims, ensuring the independence of local councils. Now, Kengashes not only monitor executive authorities but actively participate in decision-making, oversee implementation, and protect citizens’ interests.
New powers of the Kengashes include:
• monitoring the implementation of regional programs and projects;
• participating in the formulation and oversight of the regional budget;
• evaluating the effectiveness of khokims and executive bodies;
• analyzing the execution of deputies’ requests with quarterly reports and the ability to submit findings to the prosecutor’s office in case of violations.
Kengashes can initiate inspections, hear reports from khokims and relevant committees, and propose amendments to regional plans and projects. Deputies thus become active participants in governance rather than mere observers. They serve as intermediaries between citizens and executive authorities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Particular attention is given to citizen engagement in governance processes. Kengashes now have the right to organize open sessions, consult with public organizations, and actively involve citizens in regional project discussions. This creates a mechanism of direct democracy and strengthens public trust in authorities.
3. Khokims: Balancing Operational Management and Accountability
Khokims continue to perform regional management functions, implement state policies, and coordinate projects. However, their activities are now strictly monitored by Kengashes and parliament. Each khokim bears personal responsibility for work efficiency, service quality, and prudent budget use.
Digitalization has become the primary tool of oversight. A unified platform records all decisions, projects, and services, allowing real-time tracking of task implementation. Each project—from school and hospital construction to environmental initiatives—is displayed in the system, minimizing human error and corruption risks.
Examples of digital control mechanisms include:
• tracking project and budget execution in each district;
• automatic notifications to Kengashes about delays or inefficiencies;
• integrating citizen complaints data to evaluate khokims and government agencies;
• monitoring subsidies and benefits allocation linked to digital accounts.
Thus, khokims retain operational decision-making powers, but their actions are fully transparent to local councils and parliament.
4. Parliament as a Center of Strategic Oversight
The Parliament of Uzbekistan has been granted expanded oversight functions over executive authorities. Since 2026, deputies participate in approving public debt under state guarantees, ensuring financial transparency and enhancing accountability.
Additionally, parliament oversees the state procurement system totaling 300 trillion soms, implementing open and transparent procedures that prevent unauthorized direct purchases. These measures create conditions for fair competition, entrepreneurial development, and minimize corruption risks.
Parliament also supervises compliance services responsible for detecting corruption, abuse of office, and misallocation of funds. Data on violations are automatically sent to the President and deputies, ensuring maximum accountability and transparency.
5. Digitalization as a Tool for Transparent Governance
A unified digital platform integrates more than 1,000 public services, 200 databases, and the powers of over 100,000 civil servants. Artificial intelligence distributes tasks, monitors deadlines, and analyzes the performance of khokims and officials.
Examples of digital mechanisms:
• connecting to engineering networks during new construction projects;
• monitoring the implementation of regional development programs;
• digitizing investigations and judicial procedures to reduce human factors;
• integrating regional government data for timely parliamentary and Kengash interventions.
Digitalization ensures synergy between decentralization, control, and efficient management, reducing corruption risks and making the system transparent to citizens.
6. Interaction between Khokims, Kengashes, and Parliament
The reform establishes clear mechanisms for interaction, where each level performs its functions but remains within a continuous oversight system. Kengashes can initiate inspections and submit proposals, khokims must report and execute decisions, and parliament exercises strategic supervision over financial and legislative matters.
Personal accountability of every official, regardless of rank, ensures the rule of law and creates a governance system with a transparent hierarchy of responsibility.
7. Impact of Reforms on Society
Decentralization, strengthening Kengashes, and digitalizing governance aim to improve public service quality, reduce bureaucracy, minimize corruption, and engage citizens. Effects of the reforms include:
• transparent allocation of resources and budget monitoring;
• prompt resolution of local issues;
• citizen participation in governance through people’s councils;
• strengthening public trust in authorities.
These measures lay the foundation for sustainable regional development, stimulate entrepreneurial activity, and create a governance system where citizens feel their influence on local processes.
8. Conclusion
The 2026 Address of the President of Uzbekistan demonstrates a systematic approach to reforming public administration. Decentralization, strengthening Kengashes, khokim accountability, and expanded parliamentary oversight combined with digitalization create a transparent, effective, and fair governance system.
The reforms’ main goal is not only strengthening control but also engaging citizens, ensuring transparency, and upholding the rule of law. By creating a system where every level of authority is accountable, Uzbekistan embarks on a new era of governance founded on responsibility, efficiency, and openness.
Alimjan Rakhimovich Akilov
Chief Researcher at the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Professor at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Law, Professor