The Head of Public Service, Ms Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, urged Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Town Clerks to prioritise service delivery.
During her speech at the strategic retreat for CAOs, town clerks, and KCCA officials at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, she emphasised the importance of effective leadership and resource allocation.
“As leaders, we must recognise that the central government cannot provide all the resources. It is our responsibility to allocate them effectively,” she stated.
Ms Mbonye also highlighted the need for CAOs and town clerks to prioritise their work and focus on delivering results.
“We must stop complaining about the issues and instead focus on finding solutions. The president has set priorities, and we are all bound by them.”
She encouraged leaders to take ownership of their work and to be proactive in addressing challenges.
“You may not know this about yourselves, but the community certainly does. We hope to leave with a newfound sense of responsibility and commitment to delivering results.”
Ms Mbonye addressed the issue of vehicle allocation, emphasising its importance for facilitating service delivery.
“The issue of vehicles is crucial. You cannot provide services effectively without them.”
She concluded by urging leaders to work together and support one another in achieving their goals.
“Let us collaborate to deliver results and make a positive impact on our communities.”
Also speaking at the retreat, Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, stressed the importance of local government leaders in improving service delivery and governance.
“Our local government leaders must be empowered to serve as effective liaisons between the central government and their respective districts, cities, and municipalities.”
Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, speaking to CAOs, town clerks, and KCCA officials at the National Leadership Institute (NALI).
He also highlighted the significance of decentralisation, stating, “The implementation of the decentralisation policy remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s democratisation process.”
Kumumanya emphasised the need for efficiency, saying, “We must organise and manage our local governments as efficient public sector institutions.”
Furthermore, he noted the importance of aligning local government priorities with national development goals, stating, “For Uganda to achieve sustainable growth, local government priorities must be effectively integrated into national development planning.”
The retreat, which runs from April 2-15, 2025, aims to equip CAOs—who oversee the daily administration of district and municipal councils and act as heads of the public service and district council administration—and town clerks from all local governments with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead and manage their respective local governments effectively.
The meeting also included staff from the Ministry of Local Government, including the undersecretary.
