Government, WHO push for stronger parish social service committees to lmprove community services
Officials described the initiative as a major step toward building stronger, more accountable, and people-centred social service systems capable of responding effectively to community needs and supporting sustainable development across Uganda.
World Health Organization together with government ministries and local leaders have intensified efforts to strengthen grassroots service delivery through the functionalization of Parish Social Services Committees under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
During a high-level meeting convened by WHO, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Education and Sports, the Health Service Commission, Social Services Committee, and representatives from seven local governments discussed strategies to improve coordination and delivery of social services at parish level.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Diana Atwine said the discussions are critical in strengthening implementation of the Parish Development Model, especially the fourth pillar focusing on social services.
Officials from the Ministry of Local Government called for a whole-of-government approach that includes community barazas to strengthen citizen feedback, accountability, and public awareness about government programmes and services.
Kedrace Turyagenda expressed confidence in both national and local leadership structures to improve outcomes at community and village levels.
Meanwhile, Aggrey David Kibenge said the seven pilot districts provide an important opportunity for government to generate lessons that will guide the nationwide scale-up of the initiative and strengthen service delivery systems.
Representing WHO Uganda, Dr. Christine Chiedeza reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Uganda in building capacity for planning, coordination, and monitoring social services across all administrative levels.
The meeting also highlighted the important role of Parish Chiefs, Sub-county Chiefs, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), and other community structures in improving access to services at grassroots level.
At the conclusion of the discussions, ministries and district leaders committed to appointing focal persons to coordinate implementation efforts, with a review meeting scheduled for September 9, 2026.
Officials described the initiative as a major step toward building stronger, more accountable, and people-centred social service systems capable of responding effectively to community needs and supporting sustainable development across Uganda.
