Local officials in Lango, acholi report severe staffing shortages

Inadequate staffing has emerged as a critical barrier to effective service delivery within both established and newly formed administrative units in Uganda.

This pressing issue was front and center during a regional budget consultative meeting held in Lira City, where officials from various districts in the Lango and Acholi sub-regions gathered to discuss their challenges.

According to research Amolatar District, for example, is grappling with a stark deficiency in personnel, operating with just three of the twelve required heads of departments.

The educational sector is particularly affected, with only 19 head teachers and nine deputies appointed for its 53 primary schools.

Chief Administrative Officer Paul Samuel Mbiiwa, reported that “the district currently functions at a mere 45 percent of the necessary staffing levels, leading to significant challenges in service delivery, especially in education”

Optimistically, Mbiiwa noted that the upcoming operationalization of the district service commission, is expected to remedy this staffing crisis.

In neighboring Kalaki, however, key roles such as the District Engineer, District Education Officer, District Health Officer, and District Planner remain unfilled.

District Speaker Immaculate Ilado Uhuru pointed out that, “while caretakers have been appointed, many lack the qualifications required for their positions, further complicating service delivery.”

Kabermaido district is similarly affected, with District Speaker James Ojiji Eisu revealing that, “the health department is functioning at just 35 percent of its staffing needs. The absence of a District Health Officer and other essential health personnel, exacerbates the district’s struggles.”

Ronald Mbala, the Senior Urban Officer at the Ministry of Local Government, acknowledged these widespread staffing deficiencies and advised district leaders to formally request recruitment clearance from the Ministry to help alleviate the shortages.

To better understand the implications of these staffing shortages, Dr. Rebecca Kasekende, an expert in public administration, emphasized the critical link between adequate staffing and effective governance.

“When local governments are understaffed, it creates a ripple effect on service delivery, leading to increased public dissatisfaction and loss of trust in government institutions,” she explained.

Dr. Kasekende noted that adequately staffed local units are essential for executing development programs and ensuring that citizens receive timely and effective services.

Moreover, Dr. Kasekende highlighted the need for strategic planning in recruitment processes. “It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about ensuring that the right individuals with appropriate skills are in place to meet the community’s needs,” she said.

She advocated for tailored training programs to equip existing staff and new hires with the skills necessary for their roles, which could lead to improved performance and service delivery.

Finally, she called for enhanced collaboration between local government units and the Ministry of Local Government.

“A coordinated approach to addressing staffing challenges can create a more resilient public service,” Dr. Kasekende asserted.

By leveraging resources and expertise at both levels, local governments can not only fill vacancies but also build a more competent workforce capable of tackling the diverse challenges faced by their communities.