HOIMA
In Hoima District, a senior presidential advisor has called for closer collaboration among local leaders to ensure effective implementation of government programmes. Lt Col (Rtd) Ambako Kibrai, who serves as Senior Presidential Advisor on Mobilization, made the remarks during a monitoring meeting held as part of the ongoing government performance and anti-corruption monitoring exercise in the Bunyoro sub-region. Our reporter has more.
Lt Col (Rtd) Ambako Kibrai met with district leaders in Hoima and emphasized the importance of coordination in the implementation of public service programmes, particularly in education and health.
He raised concern over the increasing cases of school surcharges, noting that the practice contradicts the government’s free education policy.
“The issue of surcharges in schools is a major concern. The government pays for school fees, equipment, and facilities. The only responsibility for parents is to feed their children. When schools impose extra fees, they go against policy.”
Lt Col Kibrai pointed out that many school administrators have continued to levy unauthorized charges, pushing the cost of education beyond the reach of ordinary families. He also reminded parents of their responsibility in ensuring their children are fed while in school, insisting that government’s role is already substantial.
Turning to the health sector, the senior advisor acknowledged persistent stockouts of medicine in public health facilities. He said such gaps undermine public trust in government healthcare services.
“Medicines are delivered to health centres, but sometimes when patients arrive, they’re told the drug is out of stock without explanation. Forms are marked ‘O/S’—and this creates the impression that government isn’t doing its part.”
He also underscored the role of primary healthcare in promoting wellness, stressing that people can avoid many diseases through proper hygiene, nutrition, and preventive measures.
The monitoring visit is part of a broader exercise being led by the RDC Secretariat and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery in government-funded programmes across the Bunyoro region.
Local leaders who attended the meeting committed to working more closely with central government agencies to address the identified service delivery gaps.
