Butaleja District to Address Acting Positions in Next Financial Year.
By Ambrose Wanagoli.
Butaleja District — The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Butaleja District, Mr. Mike Yoga has announced plans to recruit substantive officers in the next financial year in a move aimed at strengthening service delivery in the district.
In an exclusive interview on Thursday, Mr. Yoga said the district currently has only three substantive heads of department, while the rest are serving in acting capacities. He attributed the situation to delays linked to the outgoing district leadership.
According to the CAO, the three substantive officers currently serving at the district level are Ms. Lamula Weere, the head of the Natural Resources Department, Mr. Kassim Magombe of the Community Development Department, and Ms. Amina Dugo, the head of the Production Department.
Mr. Yoga explained that several positions have remained filled by acting officials for a long period, which he believes affects efficiency in service delivery.
“Many officers are serving in acting positions, and this affects accountability and performance. In the next financial year, we intend to recruit substantive officers so that departments can operate effectively,” he said.
He also revealed concerns in the education sector, noting that a number of headteachers in primary schools are serving in positions they are not substantively appointed to hold.
“Some of the headteachers are supposed to be deputies or classroom teachers. I have already written to the relevant ministry seeking guidance and approval to address the matter,” Mr. Yoga said, adding that funds will be available to recruit qualified officers once approval is granted.
The CAO further alleged that earlier attempts to initiate recruitment were halted by the district chairperson.
According to him, the chairperson reportedly wrote to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service recommending his transfer over what he described as his “rigid stance” on enforcing proper administrative procedures.
Mr. Yoga argued that the lack of substantive departmental heads encourages officers to focus on pleasing their supervisors rather than delivering quality services.
“When officers are not substantively appointed, they tend to work to please their masters instead of focusing on professional service delivery, which undermines development,” he said.
Meanwhile, the CAO also raised concerns about several schools located in flood-prone areas due to the rising water table in parts of the district. He said he has contacted the Office of the Prime Minister to seek intervention.
The schools most affected by the ongoing heavy rains include Doho Primary School, Lubembe Primary School, Namulo Primary School, Nakwasi Primary School, Hannah-Butesa Primary School, and Namehere Primary School.
Mr. Yoga warned that the continued heavy downpour could worsen the situation and affect learning if urgent mitigation measures are not taken.
He said the district is working with central government authorities to find lasting solutions to protect the affected schools and communities.
