Authorities in Rukiga District have raised concerns over inadequate funding and severe staffing shortages, which they say are significantly hindering service delivery in key sectors like health and education. These issues were brought to light during the Local Government Finance Commission Outreach Program, designed to assess the funding needs for recently upgraded health centers and primary schools in the Kigezi sub-region.
Mariam Nalubega Patience, the Vice Chairperson of the Local Government Finance Commission, spoke to reporters at Kahama Health Center III about the challenges local governments face. She emphasized that many health facilities and schools are struggling due to insufficient resources. “These challenges are widespread, and we are committed to presenting these concerns to the commission for further action,” Nalubega stated.
Mrs. Byiringiro Rita, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Rukiga District, criticized the central government’s conditional grants, calling them inadequate, especially in areas like road maintenance. According to Byiringiro, Rukiga District has a road network spanning 170.1 kilometers, but the UGX 152 million provided by the government is far from sufficient, considering the district needs UGX 340 million for proper maintenance.
Gilbert Ahumuza, the Acting District Health Officer, also voiced his frustrations, lamenting the lack of a district hospital and the chronic understaffing in local health facilities. He pointed out that several projects, including health center improvements, remain unfinished due to limited financial support.
Turyaguma Pamela, the in-charge of Kahama Health Center III in Kyikomero Village, Rwamucucu Sub-County, expressed similar concerns. She highlighted the health center’s lack of electricity, which forces them to rely on unreliable solar power. Pamela also mentioned that understaffing and a lack of proper staff accommodation continue to affect the quality of services they can provide.
The meeting also drew the participation of several Local Government Finance Commission members, including Sumbua Naima, Adam Babale, Emetu Michael Emodu, Priscilla Asiimire, and James Menya, along with key political and technical staff from Rukiga District.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for increased funding to improve critical infrastructure and services in the district, as local authorities look to the central government for more robust support.
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