Government Approves Recruitment of Essential District Staff to Boost Service Delivery – PS Ben Kumumanya

In a significant move to enhance public service delivery across the country, the government has authorised the recruitment of essential personnel in districts, including district health officers, education officers, planners, and extension workers. The announcement was made by Mr. Benjamin Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, during the closing ceremony of a 15-day retreat for district accounting officers held at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.

Addressing Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Town Clerks from across Uganda, Mr. Kumumanya emphasised the urgent need to fill staffing gaps in local governments to improve service efficiency and responsiveness. “You can’t work alone; you need staff to efficiently serve the people,” he said, underscoring the importance of a well-resourced workforce in achieving the goals of decentralised governance.

The retreat, which focused on capacity building for district accounting officers, equipped participants with vital skills in public administration, leadership, financial management, and accountability. Mr. Kumumanya noted that the training aimed to empower officers to enhance transparency, improve revenue collection, and deliver better health, education, and extension services to citizens.

Beyond staffing, the Permanent Secretary made a strong call to action against corruption and underperformance in public service. He directed accounting officers to take decisive action against district employees who are failing to meet their responsibilities. “Eliminate bureaucratic tendencies and reward efficiency within your teams,” he urged, stressing that effective leadership at the district level is crucial to national development.

Kumumanya also encouraged the officers to work closely with Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and other government stakeholders to ensure that public programs are well communicated and implemented. He highlighted the importance of engaging the media to promote government initiatives and to keep the public informed and involved.

“Wherever you face challenges, don’t hesitate to consult the relevant commissioners at the Ministry,” he advised, assuring the officers of the Ministry’s support in tackling systemic bottlenecks and achieving better governance outcomes.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, Mr. Kumumanya concluded the retreat by reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening local governments as the cornerstone of national service delivery.

About Benjamin Kumumanya

Benjamin Kumumanya is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, a position he has held with distinction for several years. A seasoned public administrator and reformist, Kumumanya has been instrumental in driving decentralisation reforms and enhancing transparency and efficiency in local government operations. His leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on capacity building, anti-corruption, and performance-driven public service.

Known for his hands-on approach and commitment to empowering local government institutions, Mr. Kumumanya continues to champion the recruitment and training of qualified personnel to meet the growing demands of service delivery at the grassroots level.

Through initiatives such as the recently concluded retreat in Kyankwanzi, he remains a central figure in Uganda’s quest to improve governance and bring services closer to the people.