New Soroti CAO Sempala inherits staffing, service delivery concerns

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Persistent staffing shortages and inadequate wage allocations took centre stage during the official handover ceremony at Soroti district headquarters as outgoing Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Elly Piwang formally handed over office to Emmanuel Sempala after two years in office.

District leaders, technical staff and local government officials used the occasion to highlight growing concerns over understaffing, which they said continues to undermine service delivery and administrative efficiency across the district.

Speaking during the ceremony on May 20, 2026, Piwang said several departments have been operating without substantive officers because the district has been unable to recruit due to limited wage allocations.

“For the two years I have served here, I have been working with officers in an acting capacity because we have not been able to recruit substantive staff due to limited wage allocation,” Piwang said.

He explained that several key positions remain vacant, including that of the principal human resource officer, a gap he said continues to affect effective administration and coordination of services.

Piwang further noted that some government programmes remain difficult for district authorities to supervise because they are implemented under centrally controlled schemes.

“There are programmes we cannot directly manage because they are schemes,” he explained.

Agriculture gains

Despite the staffing challenges, Piwang highlighted several achievements registered during his tenure, particularly in agriculture and local economic development.

He said the district had improved agricultural production and marketing by recruiting distributors to support local farmers, especially sugarcane growers.

Piwang also revealed that the district had initiated plans to promote cashew nut farming through irrigation support aimed at boosting productivity among farmers.

He said irrigation pipes had already been procured under the programme.

New CAO takes over

Taking over office, Sempala pledged to work closely with technical officers and political leaders to address staffing shortages and improve service delivery.

“I am committed to working together with all stakeholders to strengthen staffing, improve project implementation and promote staff welfare,” Sempala said shortly after assuming office.

Soroti resident district commissioner Imran Muluga urged leaders and technical staff to embrace teamwork to improve service delivery and accelerate development in the district.

“Teamwork is key if the district is to realise effective service delivery and development,” Muluga said.

District officials and leaders also commended Piwang for his leadership and mentorship during his tenure.

Vincent Olobo, senior assistant chief administrative officer for Arapai subcounty, praised the outgoing CAO for mentoring district staff and strengthening administrative performance.

Soroti LC5 chairperson Bob Owiny commended Piwang for protecting the district budget from political interference, saying it helped strengthen accountability and proper planning.

“He ensured politicians did not interfere with the district budget, which helped maintain accountability and proper planning,” Owiny noted.

Meanwhile, Soroti district speaker David Agwanyi assured the incoming CAO of the council’s support in advancing the district’s development agenda.

“We are ready to work together for the progress and transformation of Soroti district,” Agwanyi said.