MBALE, Uganda – Residents from Mbale, Sironko, Bulambuli, and the greater Sebei region have expressed concern over what they describe as declining service delivery, which they attribute to government officials overstaying in one duty station for more than a decade.
The locals singled out the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and the Ministry of Water and Environment, where several officials are reported to have served in the same locations for over 12 years. According to residents, this prolonged stay has led to complacency, reduced performance, and stagnation in development programs.
Harbert Wasike from Bubulo said that the region has suffered due to “over-keeping” the same officials in one area.
“We still have a problem of accessing clean water. The water systems that were installed keep breaking down due to poor workmanship,” he said.
Wasike added that the Ministry of Agriculture has “failed to prove its relevance” in the region despite years of presence.
Peter Mugaga, a resident of Bulambuli, noted that although the Ministry of Water attempted to rehabilitate some dams, progress has stalled.
“We don’t know whether it is a money issue or simply laziness,” he said.
Gertrude Namboso, a parish councillor in Bulambuli District, also echoed the concerns, saying some officials have become ineffective due to overstaying.
“They should rotate these officials. When they overstay, they become inactive and sometimes even corrupt,” she said.
Fresh Concerns on Officials’ Wealth
Residents have also raised alarm over allegations that some ministry staff own fuel stations and apartment blocks within the region. This has triggered concern among the public regarding whether these officials have genuinely declared their wealth and assets to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), as required by law.
Locals are now calling for urgent transfers, investigations, and stronger supervision to restore service delivery across Bugisu, Bukedi, and the Sebei region.
