NEWS- Authorities in Rukiga District, southwestern Uganda, have expressed concerns over inadequate funding and staffing, citing their impact on poor service delivery. This revelation came during the Local Government Finance Commission Outreach Program, aimed at assessing funding for upgraded health centers and primary schools in the kigezi sub region.
Mariam Nalubega Patience, Vice Chairperson of the Local Government Finance Commission, spoke to reporters at Kahama Health Center III, highlighting challenges faced by local governments in health, education, and service delivery. She pledged to present these concerns to the commission.
Rukiga District Deputy CAO, Mrs. Byiringiro Rita, criticized insufficient central government conditional grants, citing inadequate funding for road maintenance. Rukiga District has 170.1 km of roads, requiring UGX 340 million, but receives only UGX 152 million.
Gilbert Ahumuza, Acting District Health Officer, lamented the lack of a district hospital, under staffing, and unfinished projects due to limited funding.
Turyaguma Pamela, In-charge of Kahama Health Center III, in Kyikomero village, Burime parish Rwamucucu Sub County expressed concerns over lack of electricity, reliance on solar power, under staffing, and inadequate accommodation.
Other attendees included Local Government Finance Commission members Sumbua Naima, Adam Babale, Emetu Michael Emodu, Priscilla Asiimire, James Menya, and Rukiga District political and technical staff.
