*By John Kusolo*
On a recent visit to Mbale District, Dr. James Twehayo, the Commissioner under the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) Secretariat from State House, engaged with district leaders and sector heads in a critical review of government program implementations. The meeting, held at Lukhobo Hall, Mbale District headquarters, was a significant platform to assess the progress and identify challenges in various sectors, particularly in health, finance, and production.
*Public Service Challenges and the Impact of Enhanced Salaries for Scientists*
Dr. Twehayo, addressing some of the highlighted challenges, expressed concern over the performance of certain cadres in the public service, particularly those accredited as scientists. He pointed out that while enhancing salaries for science staff was intended to boost morale and service delivery, it has paradoxically led to some unintended consequences. Many of these enhanced cadres have diverted their focus from their professional duties to other ventures, negatively impacting service delivery.
He emphasized the need for the education department to strategize quickly to curb this vice across district leadership. Despite these challenges, Dr. Twehayo applauded the district staff for their dedicated and holistic service to the communities they serve.
*Health Sector: Addressing Absenteeism and Medicine Stock Management*
The health sector in Mbale District was one of the key areas reviewed during the meeting. The district health officer, Dr. Wangisi, reported a significant improvement in absenteeism among health workers, which has now reduced to 8%. This improvement is attributed to the effective functioning of the district’s sanctions and rewards committee, which has been instrumental in encouraging and disciplining staff.
However, challenges remain in stock management of medicines. Dr. Wangisi highlighted that the district faces difficulties due to rare supplies and underestimates in some facilities, leading to shortages. The issue is further complicated by the fact that Mbale District's health facilities serve a large number of patients from neighboring districts, stretching the available resources. Despite these challenges, the district has managed to maintain a 92% medicine stock coverage on a quarterly basis.
*Financial Challenges and Donor Funding*
The financial health of the district was another critical issue discussed. Wamanga, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Mbale District Local Government, reported that the district has faced significant challenges in realizing funds from donors such as WHO, GAVI, and UNHRN. The shortfall in donor funding has made it difficult to actualize spending on prioritized areas, particularly in the health sector.
*Production Department and PDM Implementation*
The Production Department, a key player in the district’s economic activities, received considerable attention during the visit. The Parish Development Model (PDM), a cornerstone of the government’s poverty eradication strategy, was emphasized by one of the Commissioners from the President’s office. He warned that any attempt to sabotage PDM at the parish level would be met with immediate arrest, reflecting the President's strong commitment to the program.
Wanakina, the District Production and Marketing Officer (DPMO), provided insights into the ongoing PDM enrollment. He assured that those who missed out on the initial one million shilling disbursement would receive their payments through a devised mechanism. The district has seen success with several projects under PDM, particularly in fish farming and dairy production in Bungokho Central constituency, which have generated high returns and boosted district revenue.
However, some projects are struggling due to power shortages, affecting their functionality. Efforts are underway to address these challenges and ensure that all projects across the district’s 14 sub-counties and 3 town councils become fully operational.
*Advancements in Micro-Scale Irrigation*
The district has also made significant strides in micro-scale irrigation, with the number of irrigation stations increasing from 29 in the 2021/2022 financial year to a much higher number, enabling more farmers to engage in sustainable farming practices. This development has been a boon for the district's agricultural productivity.
*Commercial Sector and Loan Recoveries*
In the commercial sector, the Principal Commercial Officer, Buteme, reported on the progress of loan recoveries under government funding initiatives. While recoveries are ongoing, the presidential directive extending the repayment period to three years has impacted the district's enforcement team. Despite this, successful stories, particularly in fish farming in Bungokho South constituency, have been registered, showcasing the positive impact of government programs on the local economy.
Dr. Twehayo’s visit to Mbale District underscored both the successes and challenges in the implementation of government programs. While the district has made commendable progress in areas like health, production, and micro-scale irrigation, there are still hurdles to overcome, particularly in ensuring efficient service delivery and managing financial resources. The visit served as a crucial reminder of the importance of accountability and strategic planning in driving the district's development forward.
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