The Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) convened a meeting with Chief Administrative Officers, City Town Clerks, and Municipal Town Clerks yesterday to assess Local Governments’ readiness to meet minimum conditions under the Uganda Cities and Municipal Infrastructure Development (UCMID) Programme.
Chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, the meeting brought together officials from cities, municipalities, and refugee host districts to address critical gaps, particularly in staffing, that could hinder access to programme funding. The UCMID Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative, will be implemented in 10 cities, 26 municipalities, and 13 refugee host districts. The engagement follows concerns that several Local Governments have not fully met the required minimum conditions.
During the meeting, officials presented detailed staffing distribution lists highlighting the status of critical positions across the participating Local Governments. The data revealed varying levels of compliance, with a number of cities, municipalities, and districts falling below the required staffing thresholds.
Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks attributed the staffing gaps to limited wage provisions, delays in securing clearance from the Ministry of Public Service, and other administrative constraints. In response, discussions highlighted options such as acceleration of qualifying staff, secondment where necessary, and fast-tracking clearance to fill critical positions. The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for recruitment of personnel with the required academic and professional qualifications to meet programme standards.
As part of the agreed way forward, all affected Local Governments have been directed to prepare and submit individual reports outlining the specific staffing challenges they face and proposed measures to address them. The reports are expected to be presented to the Ministry by next Thursday to inform further action.
The next phase of the UCMID Programme is expected to commence on 1st July following the conclusion of the first phase in 2024. In addition to staffing requirements, Local Governments are expected to meet other key minimum conditions including approved five year and institutional development plans, approved physical development plans, and acquisition of right of way and land titles for infrastructure expansion. The programme is also expected to place significant emphasis on refugee host districts during implementation.
MoLG Communication Unit