Urban Councils in Crisis: Staffing Levels Hit Rock Bottom.
The Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU) has sounded the alarm on the dire staffing situation in urban councils, with some towns operating at a mere 20% capacity. The association's 55th annual general meeting, which was held in Kasese, brought the issue to the forefront, with leaders calling for urgent action.
"We are struggling to deliver services because of the low staffing levels," said Dr. Wilson Sanya, President of the UAAU and Mayor of Koboko Municipality. "Some of our newly created town councils are operating at a mere 20% capacity, which is unacceptable."
The UAAU is urging the government to provide a sufficient wage bill to facilitate recruitment in urban councils. "We need to enhance the salaries of our political and civil servants to improve their living standards," Dr. Sanya emphasized.
In response, State Minister of Local Government, Hon. Victoria Rusoke, advised the UAAU to present their wage bills to the Ministry of Public Service for permission to recruit. However, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has indicated that there are no available funds for salary increments.
"We understand the challenges faced by urban councils, but we have to work within the available resources," said Hon. Rusoke.
The UAAU's annual general meeting concluded on Friday, with the association hoping to find solutions to the staffing crisis and other challenges facing urban councils.
Ends.
Story by Kyeya Robert
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