Construction of sh4b Service Uganda Centre begins in Gulu

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As part of efforts to extend government services closer to the people of northern Uganda, the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U), in partnership with Posta Uganda, has launched the construction of a regional service centre in Gulu city.

The Service Uganda Centre will host more than 40 workstations for various government ministries, departments and agencies, including the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), among others.

The construction project, located at the Posta Uganda premises in Gulu city and valued at sh4b, is being undertaken by Prisma Construction Company together with the UPDF Engineering Brigade.

The facility is expected to be completed by June this year.

One-stop centre

Diana Kyarikunda, the manager for human resource and administration at Posta Uganda, said the one-stop centre will significantly improve service delivery across the Northern region.

Dr Hatwib Mugasa, the executive director of NITA-U, said the facility will host more than 40 government agencies, making it easier for residents of northern Uganda to access essential public services.

Dr Hatwib Mugasa, the executive director of NITA-U, speaking during the construction launch. (Photo by Claude Omona)

Similar centres will also be established in Mbarara, Kampala, and Tororo with funding support from the World Bank.

Sarah Mwanga, the assistant commissioner for public service, delivered a message from Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Service.

In her message, Bitarakwate revealed that Gulu is a focal point in a national rollout, noting that while the Cabinet approved these developments in 2019, the Hoima centre has been the only operational site for the last three years.

Local leader who attended the groundbreaking ceremony hailed the government for the initiative, saying the development has come at the time of need.

Expedited service delivery

Meanwhile, Christopher Oketayot, the chief administrative officer of Gulu District, commended the government for extending services closer to the people.

He noted that once the centre is operational, many residents will no longer need to travel to Kampala to access certain government services.

Cosmas Ojara Oceng, the Gulu deputy resident district commissioner, lauded the project as a major milestone for the region.

He said the hub would significantly reduce the travel costs and time residents currently spend seeking services in Kampala.

Oceng remarked that this project is a clear manifestation of the NRM government’s commitment to decentralisation and extending services to the doorstep of the community.

The proposed service centres in different regions. (Photo by Claude Omona)

He further challenged the contractors to maintain high standards, asserting that the success of the centre depends on the integrity of its construction and the dedication of its future managers.

Once completed, the centre is expected to create more than 200 jobs and eliminate the bureaucratic hurdles previously faced by residents of northern Uganda, who previously sought some government services in Kampala.

The facility will streamline a wide range of administrative needs, including national ID registration and renewals, business registration, and tax services.

Additionally, the centre will integrate Gulu district local government operations and feature a dedicated tourism information desk to promote regional attractions and boost the local economy.

To ensure the facility meets modern digital standards, the Ministry of Public Service has called upon the Ministry of ICT for technical backing.