Hoima District, Uganda – Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Ambako Kibrai, Senior Presidential Advisor on Mobilization, has called for strengthened collaboration and accountability during a monitoring and evaluation meeting with district technical leaders in Hoima. This engagement is part of an ongoing Bunyoro Sub-region oversight initiative by the RDC Secretariat and the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) within the Office of the President.
The meeting aimed to assess the real-time impact of key government programs and reinforce the commitment to delivering quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure services in line with national development goals.
Addressing Concerns in the Education Sector
Lt Col Kibrai expressed concern over rising school costs caused by unauthorized surcharges levied by some institutions. “The government’s position is clear—public primary and secondary education is free of charge, with operational expenses covered by the state. Parents are only expected to feed their children,” he emphasized.
He cautioned that such surcharges undermine universal access to education and violate established policy, adding that district education officers must ensure compliance and protect families from exploitation.
Health Sector Realities and Gaps
In the health sector, Lt Col (Rtd) Kibrai acknowledged ongoing challenges in service delivery, particularly medicine shortages at public health facilities. He noted that while drugs are regularly supplied, many patients find prescribed treatments marked “O/S” (Out of Stock) without proper explanation.
“This lack of communication breeds mistrust and creates the impression that the government is failing its people,” he said, stressing the need for improved transparency in facility-level operations.
He also underscored the role of Primary Health Care (PHC) programs in promoting disease prevention, hygiene, and nutrition—tools that, if effectively utilized, could reduce the burden on clinical services.
A Call for Responsible Leadership
The Senior Presidential Advisor urged district leaders to remain proactive in monitoring government programs and maintaining open communication with communities. “Leadership is not just about policy—it’s about presence, listening, and action on the ground,” he stated.
The Hoima meeting is one of several regional engagements aimed at closing service delivery gaps and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
