By Richard Onapatum
Maj. Martha Asiimwe, Head of the RDC Secretariat/Anti-Corruption Unit at the Office of the President, has sounded a warning to public servants in Kaabong District. Speaking during a meeting with district officials and local leaders, Asiimwe stressed that public servants must work diligently to provide timely and quality services to citizens.
“We must work for the salaries we earn, and provide the services the citizens deserve. No more quarter-measures, but quality and timely services,” Asiimwe said. “It is widely known that there is a lot of shoddy work and absenteeism in various sectors. We must put an end to this and ensure that our citizens receive the services they deserve.”
Asiimwe also emphasized the importance of civic empowerment and awareness of government programs and funds allocated to the district. “We must empower our citizens with the knowledge of government programs and funds allocated to them, so that they can demand quality services and hold their leaders accountable for the resources entrusted to them,” she said.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of government programs such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). Asiimwe explained that these programs are designed to provide citizens with the tools and facilities to transform their lives. “Government programs like Emyooga and PDM are designed to provide you with the tools and facilities to transform your lives. It is crucial to educate the public about the benefits and goals of these programs,” she said.
Bamwine Fred, Commissioner in charge of RDCs in the Karamoja sub-region, reiterated the importance of monitoring government programs and projects. “Monitoring government programs and projects is your core responsibility as representatives of the head of state. The question is, how do we do it? Because it’s not just a matter of reaching a project site and saying, ‘Yes, I’ve monitored.’ It goes far beyond that,” he said.
Fred also advised leaders to be patient with the people they lead and to work collaboratively to achieve their goals. “We must commit ourselves. Things are not going to be the same in our offices today and tomorrow if we don’t wake up, hold on to them, and do what is within our mandates,” he said. “Advised leaders to be patient with the people they lead in order to put ideas in their heads so that they can be able to achieve their goals. People can listen and move with you if you are patient with them.”
The meeting was attended by district officials, local leaders, and representatives from various government agencies. It was part of the government’s efforts to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance in Kaabong District.
In a related development, Asiimwe also inspected several projects in the district, including the construction of a health center and a school. She expressed concern over the slow pace of work and the poor quality of materials used. “We expect our contractors to work diligently and deliver quality services. We will not tolerate any shoddy work or delays,” she said.
The inspection was part of Asiimwe’s efforts to ensure that government projects are implemented efficiently and effectively. It was also aimed at promoting accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
In conclusion, Asiimwe’s call to action emphasizes the need for accountability, transparency, and good governance in Kaabong District. It is a reminder to public servants that they must work diligently to provide quality services to citizens. By promoting accountability and quality service delivery, the government aims to improve the lives of citizens and promote socio-economic transformation in the district.