Urban Authorities call for improved staffing levels

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Members of the Urban Authorities’ Association of Uganda (UAAU) have called on the government to address the critical staffing shortages in local governments, which they claim are hindering service delivery. This appeal was made during UAAU’s 55th annual general assembly held in Kasese Municipality.

Dr. Wilson Sanya, the President of UAAU, highlighted that although staffing gaps have been an ongoing issue, the situation has deteriorated with the creation of new administrative units.

He emphasized that the community expects these new units to enhance service delivery, but the lack of sufficient staff is crippling their effectiveness. Dr. Sanya, who also serves as the Mayor of Koboko Municipality, urged the government to increase budgetary allocations to local governments to enable the recruitment of more staff, noting that many of the newly created cities and sub-counties are yet to recruit the required personnel.

John Bosco Kananura, the LCIII Chairperson of Lake Katwe-Kabatoro Town Council in Kasese, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for the Ministry of Finance and Public Service to provide an adequate wage ceiling to allow local governments to recruit and fill existing vacancies. He also expressed pride in Kasese for hosting the assembly, seeing it as an opportunity to showcase the area’s attractions and open it to business.

The Minister of State for Local Government, Victoria Businge Rusoke, responded by stating that if local governments have the necessary wage bill, they should present it to the Ministry of Public Service to facilitate the recruitment process. However, she also urged leaders to be mindful of the financial constraints facing the government and to ensure accountable use of available resources.

The UAAU brings together a wide range of officials including Town and City Clerks, Mayors, Speakers, Division Clerks, and Division Chairpersons. This year’s assembly was held under the theme, “Building Inclusive, Safe, Resilient, and Sustainable Urban Authorities in Uganda: A Call for Everyone.”

*****

URN