By Mike Rwothomio
The leadership of Zombo District Local Government has raised serious concerns over the District’s critically low staffing levels, warning that the “thin staff” is struggling to deliver essential public services effectively.
Presenting the State of the District Affairs address to the Council sitting on Monday, 20th July 2026, at the District Headquarters Community Hall, District Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu revealed that the overall staffing level stands at only 51.4%, well below the recommended minimum of 65% required for effective service delivery.
“The district overall staffing level is at 51.4%. This is below the recommended minimum 65% for effective service delivery. This has created a huge burden on the thin staff,” the Chairperson stated.
He called on Council members and stakeholders to join hands in lobbying for additional wage allocation to address the staffing gap.
The District requires an extra UGX 16 billion to fill all approved posts in its establishment.
According to the report presented to Council, Traditional Civil Service: 42.9% filled (209 out of 487 approved posts).Primary Education: 49.8% filled (964 out of 1,932).Primary Health Care Workers: 35.7% filled (224 out of 626).
Agricultural Extension Workers: 59.2% filled (32 out of 54).The Chairperson noted that despite these shortages, the District managed to recruit 114 staff during the 2025/2026 Financial Year through wage re-allocation and Ministry of Public Service clearance.
This included 56 primary teachers, 9 secondary teachers, and 13 health workers, alongside various traditional cadres.
Oyullu however said critical positions such as heads of departments, Sub-County Chiefs (SAS), Senior Environment Officer, Principal Agricultural Officer, and Principal Assistant Secretary were among those substantively filled.
Some successful candidates from the latest recruitment exercise are still awaiting formal appointment and payroll placement.
Oyullu emphasized that the inadequate wage bill and resulting thin staffing continue to strain operations across departments, particularly in frontline service areas like health, education, and agricultural extension. He explained that the low staffing levels limit the District’s ability to fully implement planned activities and respond to community needs.
The Administration Department also faces challenges including rigid structures that hinder career growth and inadequate office space in Town Councils of Padea and Warr, and Sub-Counties of Athuma and Alangi, which further negatively affects service delivery.
Wage and Recruitment ContextDuring the 2025/2026 FY, the District received a wage bill of UGX 19.227 billion, with the largest share going to Primary Education (35%) and Primary Health Care (24%).
To put hope alive, an unspent balance of UGX 846.8 million has been re-voted for the new financial year to support further recruitment once clearance is obtained from the Ministry of Public Service.
The Chairperson assured pensioners and staff with salary arrears that funds have been budgeted in the 2026/2027 FY to clear outstanding payments.
In his address, Hon. Oyullu moved that Council receives the report for scrutiny and further discussion, in line with the Local Government Act and Council procedures. Council is expected to deliberate on the staffing concerns and explore strategies to lobby for enhanced wage provisions from the central government.
Other Leaders ReactHon. Topista Acamfua, the Woman MP of Zombo who was present at the function, called for synergy amongst civil servants, political leaders and citizens noting that most of the concerns raised shall be forwarded to the relevant authorities.
Acamfua urged citizens to put all hands on the deck, leaving political difference aside, noting that time for politics has passed.
Grace Freedom Kwiocwiny, the Ora county MP in her remarks urged Zombo leaders to work towards development of the district, adding that everyone should ensure services reaches out to the community.
Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua expressed confidence over the unity and urged leaders at all levels to fulfill their roles and responsibilities as mandated by the law.
A Local Government Act CAP 138, Section 13 empowers the district LCV chairperson to provide an annual report on the state of affairs of the District. This requirement is further operationalized in the Standards Rule of Procedures for Local Government Councils of Uganda (Revised July 2019), specifically in Rule 10 on page 17, which emphasizes the same obligation that the state of affairs of each District be given by the District Chairperson at the beginning of the financial year.
