By Richard Onapatum
Gulu City, Uganda – Senior government officials from the Office of the President have reaffirmed their commitment to improving service delivery, accountability, and economic transformation in Gulu City. During a high-level engagement with city leaders, Maj. Martha Asiimwe, Head RDC Secretariat and Anti-Corruption Unit of office of the President, underscored the importance of efficient resource utilization in line with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision for socio-economic development.
Speaking at the meeting, Maj. Asiimwe highlighted the critical role of government funding, noting that 90% of Gulu City’s budget comes from the central government, with the remaining 10% generated through local revenue. She emphasized that accountability in resource management is key to evaluating the success of government programs.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the city leadership in implementing government programs. Without proper utilization of funds, we would have no basis to discuss service delivery,” Maj. Asiimwe stated.
She further reiterated President Museveni’s directive for central and local governments to work together to create jobs, generate wealth, and enhance household incomes. She urged city authorities to strategically use local revenue to complement national development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP).
During the engagement, Dr. Sister Akiror Mary Grace, Deputy Head RDC Secretariat and Anti-Corruption Unit of Office of the President reinforced the government’s focus on effective service delivery and security. She praised the collaboration between security forces and city leadership, noting that their dedication plays a crucial role in maintaining stability.
“We are grateful for the strong and cordial working relationship between security personnel and city leaders. Security remains a critical mandate of the Office of the President, and the Resident City Commissioner serves as the chairperson of the city’s security committee,” Dr. Akiror stated.
Acknowledging the challenges faced in security operations, she urged continued teamwork and coordination to address criminal activities in urban areas like Gulu.
Additionally, both officials stressed the need for strict accountability in government projects. They warned against corruption, mismanagement of funds, and the theft of essential medicines supplied by the National Medical Stores, calling for decisive action against any individuals who misuse public resources.
In conclusion, Maj. Asiimwe commended Gulu City leaders for their dedication to service delivery and urged them to maintain integrity and transparency.
“Let us continue working together with accountability and a shared vision for a prosperous Uganda,” she said.
The engagement marks a significant step in reinforcing government oversight and ensuring that public resources effectively serve citizens at the grassroots level.RDC Secretariat/ACU, office of the President Emphasizes Accountability and Service Delivery in Gulu City.
