District leaders expressed concern over the billions of shillings lost annually due to the inadequate capacity of civil servants in managing resources and delivering accountable services.
The Serere District Local Government in the Teso Sub-region has launched a capacity-building initiative aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring efficient use of government resources.
District leaders expressed concern over the billions of shillings lost annually due to the inadequate capacity of civil servants in managing resources and delivering accountable services.
Mr Robert Adyama Ekaju, the Serere Resident District Commissioner, highlighted the critical role of the training program in addressing these issues.
"This capacity-building training is designed to equip local leaders with the tools to create both immediate and sustainable solutions. It paves the way for a more effective government that can meet the needs of its stakeholders," said Mr Adyama.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the government reportedly lost up to Shs 9 trillion due to corruption, embezzlement, and mismanagement of taxpayer funds.
Serere District Chairman Stephen Ochola believes such losses can be mitigated by enhancing the skills and accountability of local government officials, especially at the grassroots level.
"Some of the challenges we face in Serere include laziness among technical staff, corruption, particularly in implementing the Parish Development Model, and conflicts. These issues have hindered service delivery," Ochola said.
He expressed optimism that the capacity-building initiatives would change the attitudes of civil servants and address these systemic challenges.
Mr Geoffrey Okaka, the Chief Administrative Officer, noted that despite serving a population of approximately 400,000 people, the district continues to face issues such as corruption that undermine progress in areas like roads, health, education, and security.
Dr Joseph Opul, the executive director of Quality Education Consultancy Ltd and a training expert, underscored the importance of ongoing capacity-building efforts to enhance the capabilities of local government stakeholders.
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"Capacity building helps governments understand the needs of vulnerable and underserved groups. This leads to a more effective and inclusive government," Dr Opul explained.
The district's leaders are hopeful that these training sessions will create a lasting impact by fostering accountability, improving service delivery, and eliminating inefficiencies in local governance.
