Civil servants frustrating gov't programs - Kutesa

Jun 10, 2016

He said staff in health centres and government schools lack seriousness

Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa has said civil servants are failing the NRM government.

"The rate of absenteeism in government offices is failing the NRM government service delivery, the electorate will demand for an explanation after the five years," he said.

Kutesa who doubles as the MP for Mawogola North Constituency in Ssembabule district called out the Agriculture or veterinary extension staff in his area.

"I take some time at my farm in Ssembabule but I have never seen any service provider from the Agricultural or veterinary extension staff," he said.

Kutesa made the remarks during the swearing in ceremony of the Ssembabule district council chairman elect, Dr Elly Muhumuza and the district councillors at the main playground.

He said some of the staff in the health centres and government schools lack seriousness.

"Absenteeism of the teachers, health workers and agricultural extension staff will be blamed on the NRM government after the five years, the non-political wing is not doing their part efficiently," he said.

He said it's a collective responsibility of the civil servants to ensure that the NRM government manifesto is fulfilled.

"We need civil servants who are accountable to the population but the problem is that some of them are lazy and negligent," he said.

Kutesa said district councillors should play an oversight role in ensuring that the NRM manifesto is successful.

He noted team work between the civil servants, politicians and the communities is necessary for the government development programs to have an impact.

He said the population especially in rural areas demands for quality services.

Kutesa warned district councillors not be compromised by the civil servants. He also thanked Ssembabule district leaders for putting an end to political battles.

"Ssembabule is now calm, we no longer have serious political conflicts, we can now focus on development programs," he said.

Kutesa said he is ready to work closely with the Lwemiyaga MP, Theodore Ssekikubo and other MPs in the district.

He said the district politicians should open up a new chapter in the interest of peace and unity.

Muhumuza  regretted that 78% of the district council chairpersons were defeated in the 2016 elections because of the poor roads and weak financial allocations to district local governments.

"Imagine the government allocates only 15% to the district local governments, we demand for an increase so that we can remain relevant to the communities," Muhumuza said.

He said the Chinese made roads units donated to districts are grounded. He said the majority of the roads supposed to be rehabilitated by the Central government have remained in a sorry state.

The Lyantonde district council chairman, Fred Muhangi said that district leaders in the greater Masaka region agreed to take action against domestic violence, alcoholism and laziness in their areas.

"We have all agreed to start caning our people who storm the bars in the morning, we shall also cane men who beat up their wives," he said.

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