Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, the Head of Public Service, has urged Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Town Clerks across Uganda’s local governments to move beyond routine duties and assert their presence through proactive, community-driven leadership.
Nakyobe delivered the remarks today during a pivotal meeting of these key accounting officers at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala, where she emphasised direct engagement and impactful interventions at the grassroots level.
“Go beyond your routine duties and initiate interventions in your duty stations in line with community needs,” Nakyobe told the leaders.
She challenged them to become catalysts for change in their respective areas.
This directive highlights a shift towards a more responsive and outcome-oriented approach to local governance, as opposed to purely administrative functions, to embrace a dynamic leadership role that directly addresses the challenges faced by Ugandan communities.
Nakyobe noted that local governments play a critical role in service delivery and development, encompassing areas from education and health to infrastructure and social welfare.
She stressed that their leadership is crucial for translating national development goals into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
Priorities for Local Gov’t Leaders
Adding to Ms. Nakyobe’s call, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, outlined several key priorities for the accounting officers in his opening remarks, which include:
Prioritise Recruitment
He noted that it is imperative to address staffing gaps and ensure that local governments have the human resources needed to deliver essential services effectively.
Fight Against Corruption
He reiterated a need to intensify efforts to combat graft and ensure transparent and accountable use of public funds, a perennial challenge that undermines public trust and service delivery.
Automation of Local Revenue Management
He revealed that there is a need to leverage technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the collection and management of locally generated revenue, thereby increasing financial autonomy for local governments.
Road Maintenance
Kumumanya said there is a need to focus on the upkeep of local road networks, which are crucial for economic activity, market access, and connecting communities.
Supervision of Extension Services
He also called upon them to strengthen oversight of vital extension services, particularly in agriculture, health, and education, to ensure they reach and effectively serve rural populations.
In essence, the message from Nakyobe is clear: Uganda’s local government accounting officers are not just administrators; they are pivotal leaders entrusted with driving socio-economic transformation.
By embracing proactive engagement, strategic priorities, and robust oversight, they can unlock the full potential of decentralisation and deliver tangible progress for all Ugandans.